ZAMBOANGA CITY - Paseo del Mar, the city’s premier promenade by night, has been open to the public since last week after it was closed down following the 23-day gunbattle between the government forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MNLF) last September.
Although limited to the curfew hours from 12 midnight to 4 a.m., people from all walks of life started to flock at Paseo as early as 5 p.m., especially during weekends to enjoy the cool sea breeze and fine dining at various restobars and food stalls. Joggers and bikers also troop to Paseo as early as 5 am.
The reopening of Paseo del Mar signals the city’s return to normal situation after the siege even as recovery and rehabilitation efforts of the city government are gaining momentum with the support of the different government and non-government agencies.
With the coming of the Yuletide season, Paseo del Mar and Plaza del Pilar will once again come to life as both entertainment complexes are adorned with colorful Christmas lights and decors, to the delight of the promenaders.
Meanwhile, the City Council has passed a resolution requesting the supervising tourism operations officer of the City Mayor’s Office to intensify the information campaign on the reopening of Paseo del Mar in a bid to boost the business operations thereat. (Vic Larato)