City gears for Dia de Zambo
Preparations are now underway for the observance of the Dia de Zamboanga on February 26, marking the 73rd charter anniversary of Zamboanga, now known as Asia’s Latin City.
Mayor Celso Lobregat on Thursday presided over a conference of the Dia de Zamboanga committee to finalize details in connection with the different activities lined up for the celebration.
Former Senator Franklin Drilon has been invited to keynote the Dia de Zamboanga program themed “Zamboanga: Probao y Aprobao,” which is in reference to the present administration’s track record of performance and accomplishments and record as an administration that is tried and tested and can be trusted.
Some highlights of the celebration include the cheer dance competition at 1p.m. on February 23 at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex, Medical-Dental-Surgical Mission sponsored by the Lingkod Timog Volunteers on February 23 at Barangay Sangali and February 24 at Barangay Taluksangay; Awards Night on February 25 at 7p.m. at the Garden Orchid Convention center and Feeding Program sponsored by Lingkod Timog volunteers on February 26 at the Badjao Ayudahan community in Maasin.
A grand civic military parade at 1p.m. will kick off the Dia de Zamboanga on February 26. This will be followed by the competicion de selyo de Zamboanga and the drum and lyre competition and the commemorative program at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports complex.
Post Dia de Zamboanga activities include the 13th Celso L. Lobregat Cup Dart Tournament from Feb. 26-27 at the Ram’s Beer garden and other activities sponsored by private groups.
Zamboanga is considered one of the country’s oldest cities having been established in 1635. It is one of the first charted cities and the sixth largest in the country. It is also one of several cities in the Philippines that are independent of any province.
Philippine Commonwealth Act 39 of 1936 signed by then President Manuel L. Quezon on October 12, 1936 in Malacañang Palace created and established Zamboanga as a chartered city. But it was only on February 26, 1937 when the first appointed officials of the city led by then Mayor Nicassio Valderozza were formally sworn into office—the reason for the celebration of the 73rd Charter Day anniversary on February 26. (Sheila Covarrubias)