Mayor John Dalipe Monday morning called on Zamboangueños to remain united and forceful in their efforts to bring about changes and transform the city to its best, stressing that “all of us are heroes in our own ways as we work hard to function and effectively address the concerns that affect our people.”
Dalipe made the call as he spearheaded the simple yet meaningful program commemorating National Heroes’ Day at the Rizal Monument fronting City Hall. The activity was attended by Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, some members of the City Council, City Department heads, Knights of Columbus and the police and military forces.
In his message, the youthful mayor paid tribute to the known and unknown national heroes who fought for the country’s freedom, a movement that kicked off 81896 revolution against the Spanish regime.
“This is the time when we have to look at the welfare of each other, by ensuring that our independence will never be taken away from us,” Dalipe said as he urged everyone to continue to “safeguard the liberty that our heroes bravely fought for this generation.”
He likewise exhorted all residents to work together to always put Zamboanga City first, “paiz y Ciudad antes el interes personal.”
“We need to proactively ensure that progress and development is inclusive to all Zamboangueño,” he stressed.
He added: “Ta apela yo con ustedes, always be a hero to someone who needs our service.”
Officials present during the program Monday morning were City Councilors Gerky Valesco, El King Omaga, Eddie Saavedra and VP Elago, City Administrator Mario Yanga and other department heads, Acting City Police Director PCol Alex Lorenzo and Task Force Zamboanga Commander Col Randolph Rojas among others.
(Source: City Government of Zamboanga Facebook page, photo courtesy by Eugene Elnar | Jonathan Perez)