CCC’s marker unveiled
Mayor Celso Lobregat and Congresswoman Beng Climaco together with National Historical Institute officials led by Executive director Ludovico Badoy lead the unveiling of the marker in honor of the late Mayor Cesar Cortes Climaco at the Abong-Abong Park Nov. 14 during CCC's 25th death anniversary. (JOEY BAUTISTA)
Twenty-five years after he was slain by an unknown gunman, Mayor Cesar Cortez Climaco remains to be the champion of democracy, the voice of the oppressed and the downtrodden.
Mayor Celso Lobregat and Congresswoman Beng Climaco yesterday led city government officials and representatives from national gencies and private organizations in paying tribute to the late mayor.
The commemoration rite, held amidst the lazy weather, kicked off with a mass at the St. Joseph Church, followed by the motorcade to the assassination site in Gov. Alvarez St. where flowers were offered.
The wreath laying was followed by the program at the Abong-Abong Park or Cesar Climaco Park and highlighted by the unveiling of the Climaco marker and the groundbreaking rite for the rehabilitation of the park.
Mayor Lobregat has cited the late Mayor Climaco’s exceptional qualities that made him a stand out among the mayors of his time. “He was one of the few leaders who was not afraid to speak out his mind, he fought against martial law,” he said. “He was many things to many people.”
Lobregat thanked the Climaco family present during the commemoration program for producing such a great man who risked his life for the people of Zamboanga. “You have all the praises of the Zamboangueños for producing such a great man,” the mayor said referring to the Climaco family.
The late mayor’s youngest sister Leticia Alvarez and other members of the Climaco family were present during the program.
The city government organized a series of activities starting Nov. 12 in honor of the late Mayor Cesar Climaco. The activities included the 3rd Climaco Debate Cup; the Battle of the Bands; the candle lighting activity and several others. The members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Zamboanga Councils also held a vigil at the tomb of the late mayor in Abong-abong.
Mrs. Alvarez thanked the city government for initiating the activities with the end in view of perpetuating the memory of her late brother. She lauded the city for a very well organized program stressing that it is proof that Cesar Climaco’s memory lives on.
The 23rd Dia de Cesar Climaco commemoration was theme “Inspiring a generation to respond to the Call for Servant-leadership, Good governance and Responsible Citizenship”. (Sheila Covarrubias)