Villar cites Celso’s pro-poor projects
Mayor Celso Lobregat together with Senator Manny Villar, Congresspersons Beng Climaco and Erbie Fabian and City Engineer Luis Despalo spearheads the groundbreaking rites for the development of the Mampang Cemetery Sunday. (JOEY BAUTISTA)
Senator Manuel Villar yesterday lauded the efforts of the city government under the leadership of Mayor Celso Lobregat for implementing projects that impact the lives of the marginalized sector, a group he considers very close his heart.
Villar was in Zamboanga City yesterday to keynote the sailboat race, Regatta at the R.T. Lim Boulevard. He joined Mayor Celso Lobregat, Congresspersons Beng Climaco and Erbie Fabian and some members of the City Council in the unveiling of two city-initiated projects that seek to harness the delivery of social services.
The projects included the groundbreaking and blessing ceremonies for the Mampang Public Cemetery and the inauguration and turn-over of the 2-storey 8 classroom Talon-talon National High School building.
In his messages, Villar said the projects unveiled show the city government’s concern for the poor and firm commitment to social services.
“Sinusuportahan po natin ang mga proyektong gaya nito na para sa mga mahihirap dahil ako rin po’y galing sa mahirap (we support pro-poor projects because I am the son of a poor family), the senator whose primary advocacy is anti-poor programs said. “Haharapin nating haharapin ang problema ng kahirapan (let us together face the problem of poverty)”.
The groundbreaking rites and blessing for the Mampang Cemetery pave the way for the development of the 7.3 hectare property in Mampang to meet the burial needs of the constituents of Mampang, Arena Blanco, Talon-talon, Kasanyangan, Sta. Catalina, Tugbungan, Tigtabon and other neighboring areas. The project costs P25.6 million.
The ceremony was attended by Congresspersons Climaco and Fabian, Archbishop Romulo Valles, Councilors Lilia Nuño, Lynet Abarro, Rudy Lim, Abdurahman Nuño, Nonong Guingona, Rey Candido, Eddie Saavedra and Charlie Mariano, Executive Assistant Roseller Natividad, City Engineer Luis Despalo, Lily Wee of the Wee Construction firm and other official, barangay officials and other sectors.
At the Talon-talon National High School, Sen. Villar underscored the importance of education in the fight against poverty. “Napakahalaga ang edukasyon kung kaya’t ako’y natutuwa na ito ang prayoridad ng lungsod ng Zamboanga at ni Mayor Lobregat,” according to Villar.
The senator said he can fully relate to the poor people as he is a product of a poor family. Because of resourcefulness and hardwork, he said, he was able to reach his goal—to rise from poverty, manage his own business firms and become an official of the land.
The newly-inaugurated Talon-talon National High School building is worth P7.2 million and is the third building turned over under the present administration.
Present during the turn over rites, aside from Sen. Villar and Mayor Lobregat, were Cong. Fabian, members of the City Council, representatives from the Department of Education, school officials led by Principal Ramirez and the student and barangay officials.
Prior to the unveiling of the two city-initiated projects, Villar keynoted the Regatta de Zamboanga and also handed out his contributions as prizes to the winners in the sail boat race. He likewise joined the mayor in gracing the opening program of the Cooperative Month at the grandstand in Baliwasan, the Tau Gamma Phi anniversary program at the La Vista del Mar and the 14th anniversary of the Jesus Miracle Crusade in Divisoria. (Sheila Covarrubias)