Cosechas’ opens Zambo Hermosa Fest
Cosechas de Zamboanga, a showcase of the city’s agricultural and fishery products, formally opened yesterday, ushering in the month-long 2009 Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.
Mayor Celso Lobregat, Councilors Lilia Nuño, Rey Candido and Abdurahman Nuño and officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region-9 spearheaded the opening program at the Plaza Pershing yesterday morning.
The exhibit features 17 booths of assorted products that include fruits and vegetables, fishery products, RIC and 4H products, planting materials, fruit trees and flowers. It will run from October 1 to 15 at the Plaza Pershing.
Mayor Lobregat said Cosechas de Zamboanga, the sixth since he assumed office in 2004, emphasizes the very essential role played by the agriculture sector to the city’s economy and development.
He thanked the participants to the exhibit and vowed that the city government, under his administration will continue to make agriculture a priority.
Cosechas de Zamboanga is one of the city government initiated activities during the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, a celebration in honor of Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar, the city’s patron saint, whose feast day is on Oct. 12. It is organized by the City Agriculturist Office under Diosdado Palacat in coordination with the Mayor’s office through Tourism and Promotions Division and farmers’ organizations including the Rural Improvement Club.
Palacat said one booth is designated as the Farmers’ Information Center, where farmers and fisherfolks can seek answers to questions related to agriculture.
Lobregat said Cosechas de Zamboanga is only one of the highlights for the Hermosa Festival, as he urged the public to join and participate in the different events lined up for the fiesta starting yesterday until the 26th of the month.
Also launched yesterday, October 1st, was the Wow Zamboanga, a nightly cultural presentation featuring the different barangays, at the Paseo del Mar. The performances start 6 p.m.
Also held last night was the solo concert of balladeer Richard Poon, an activity organized by the Archdiocese of Zamboanga.
Today, October 2, will be the Fiesta Hermosa Job fair at the Red Cross compound organized by the City Social Welfare Office and the welcome program for the Fiesta y Alegria na Pilar College in R.T. Lim Boulevard. (Sheila Covarrubias)