Celso: Show Zambo’s best, positive, beautiful
Instead of criticizing and whining about the city’s negative qualities, Zamboangueños should strive harder and work together to build the best legacy for the coming generations.
Thus, said Mayor Celso Lobregat, as he spearheaded city officials in the different activities yesterday culminating the 73rd Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga with former Sen. Franklin Drilon as guest of honor and speaker.
“As Zamboangueños, it is our obligation and our responsibility to bring about the good, the best, the positive and the beautiful of our beloved Zamboanga City,” the mayor said in his welcome message during the commemorative program that was preceded by the grand civic military parade.
The mayor acknowledged the participation of the students, teachers, professionals, local and national government employees, workers from the private sector, barangay officials and volunteers in the different activities organized by the city government.
He likewise cited the former Sen. Drillon, who accepted without hesitation, the city’s invitation to the Dia de Zamboanga celebration. He said the former senator was one of the city’s strongest allies and partners in the fight against the MOA-AD/BJE and all other attempts to include Zamboanga City in interim agreements.
“Using his own resources Sen. Drilon filed a petition before the Supreme Court to invalidate the memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain. The Supreme Court tackled his petition on the first day of the Oral Arguments on the MOA-AD on August 15, 2008 and his counsel, Atty. Ma. Lourdes Sereno was the first to present the arguments asking the government to dispense with the homeland deal,” Mayor Lobregat said.
He said: “Because of Sen. Drillon’s support and assistance and our united efforts, Zamboanga City continues to relish independence, self-sustenance and strong governance—a city that is secure and stable, a city where rule and law and solidarity prevail. Sen. Drilon, the Zamboangueños are truly grateful for your efforts. Thank you very much!”
Mayor Lobregat said Zamboanga is what it is today because of the contributions of its forebears who tirelessly laboured to lay the foundations for the city.
Zamboanga, he stressed, is a city of enormous potentials built through the imagination and dedication of its ancestors and ordinary Zamboangueños, who worked hard to build a better life for their families.
“As we look back over the last 73 years, it is but fitting and proper that we make this special recognition to the men and women who envisioned a better future for Zamboanga. We are truly grateful for their contributions and hardwork, which most of the time are unheralded and undiscovered,” he emphasized.
The 73rd Dia de Zamboanga celebration is theme, “Zamboanga: Probao y Aprobao” in reference to the city’s ability and capability to rise in every challenge that came its way over the past years.
Zamboanga, according to Lobregat has been tried and tested by numerous adversities but the city invariably emerged triumphant because of the unwavering support and cooperation of all the stakeholders.
“At 73 years, Zamboanga City continues to foster growth and development—a testimony that Zamboanga is rife in accomplishments and performance and that Zamboanga is tried and tested. Probao y Aprobao,” the mayor added. (Sheila Covarrubias)