Zambo remembers CCC
The city government in coordination with the District I Congressional Office and the Fundacion Climaco spearhead today, November 14 the activities commemorating the 25th death anniversary of the late Mayor Cesar Cortez Climaco.
The observance this year is themed “Inspiring a generation to respond to the Call for Servant-leadership, Good governance and Responsible Citizenship”.
The commemoration will kick off with a mass at the Our Lady of Purification Parish in Sta. Maria at 8 a.m. followed by a motorcade to the assassination site in Gov. Alvarez Avenue where Mayor Celso Lobregat, Cong. Beng Climaco and representatives from different sectors will lead in the wreath laying rite.
From Gov. Alvarez Avenue, the group will proceed to the Cesar Climaco Freedom Park in Abong for the commemorative program. The unveiling of the historical marker at the CCC Freedom Park and the laying of groundwork for the rehabilitation of the park will be the highlight of the occasion with Sen. Edgardo Angara as guest of honor.
Sen. Angara together with National Historical Institute director Ludovico Badoy will assist Mayor Celso Lobregat and Cong. Beng Climaco in the unveiling of the marker as well as in the groundbreaking project. The rehabilitation of the park will be funded through the congresswoman’s priority development assistance fund (PDAF).
The activities will continue until night time at the Paseo del Mar where the Battle of the Bands will be held.
Mayor Climaco was gunned down November 14, 1984 while inspecting the remains of a conflagration that gutted down numerous residential houses in Gov. Alvarez. His assailants remain unknown up to this date.
The commemoration activities commenced November 12 with the 3rd Cesar C. Climaco debate cup held at the Western Mindanao State University Social Hall and participated by college students from the different tertiary schools in the city.
November 13 activities included the candle lighting event at the assassination site in Gov. Alvarez Avenue at 6 p.m. and the Boy Scout Vigil at the Climaco Freedom Park at 7p.m.
The late Climaco served the city from 1961-1984. A City Ordinance designates November 14 of every year as “Dia de Cesar” in honor of the late mayor. (Sheila Covarrubias)