In celebration of 73rd Dia de Zamboanga
Amid the scorching heat, young students, teachers, city and national government employees, personnel from the military, police and other law enforcement agencies and representatives coming from all sectors of the city paraded the streets in celebration of Dia de Zamboanga yesterday, February 26.
The grand civic military parade kicked off at Valderozza St. to the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Baliwasan where the commemorative program was held with former Sen. Franklin Drilon as guest of honor.
The parade was interspersed with the parade of floats which were participants to the Annual “Competicion de Selyo de Zamboanga” and the drum and lyre groups which participated in the contest.
A fantastic performance by the Philippine Marine Skydiving Team wowed the audience, adding color to the celebration. The skydivers showed off their skill as they fell on elaborate formations and land on appointed spots despite the altitude and other tough conditions.
In his message, former Sen. Drilon expressed elation in joining Zamboangueños in the historical anniversary of the city’s Charter.
“The Dia de Zamboanga is indeed an event which cannot be replicated elsewhere and your rich culture and history as a city is something that is the envy of many cities around the country,” Drilon, who is running for senator under the Liberal Party, said.
Drilon made the rounds of the city through a motorcade together with Liberal Party Zamboanga congressional candidate Rep. Beng Climaco of District I before keynoting the Dia de Zamboanga program.
He arrived in the city early morning afterwhich he visited the Hall of Justice and later joined Mayor Celso Lobregat in a press conference at City Hall.
The highlighting activities of the Dia de Zamboanga were also graced by other national officials, Cong. Beng Climaco and Erbie Fabian and members of the City Council and other officials.
Mayor Lobregat in his welcome message urged residents “renew our resolve to strive harder and work together to build the best legacy for our future Zamboangueños,” as he thanked the people for all their support and cooperation.
The parade participants included employees from the national agencies, city government, workers from private institutions, representatives from civic and people oriented groups, students and teachers, barangay officials and volunteers, as well as forces from the military and the police.
The festivities for the Dia de Zamboanga, which marks the day when the first appointed city officials of the city led by then Mayor Nicasio Valderozza, started as first week of February with activities sponsored by private groups.
Last Tuesday (Feb. 25), the city government feted the 2010 Local Achievers, who were selected for their exemplary contributions to the city. On February 23, the city also sponsored the cheer dance competition.
The celebration will continued until today February 28 with numerous other activities co-sponsored by private groups. (Sheila Covarrubias)