For the first time in the celebration of Dia de Vicente Alvarez, the city government through the City Tourism Office Wednesday, May 18 organized a forum on the life and contributions of the Zamboangueno revolutionary hero, with participants coming different senior high schools and colleges including youth-led organizations.
Aimed to raise the youth’s awareness on the heroism of Gen. Vicente Alvarez, the forum served as a venue where students learned about Alvarez’ priceless contribution to the country and the continuous efforts of the city government to perpetuate his memory.
In a message played on video, Mayor John Dalipe said Gen. Alvarez’ heroic actions created an impact in the halls of history when he fought and won the battle against Spanish forces led by Gov. General Diego de los Rios on May 18, 1899 at Fort Pilar.
“It is my administration’s thrust for everyone especially young people to appreciate and be proud of what Gen. Alvarez did for our people and beloved Zamboanga City,” the mayor said, adding “Let us all be inspired by Gen. Vicente Alvarez’ courage and bravery.”
During the forum, City Museum Curator Ildefonso Torres, Jr., Councilor VP Elago, Marlon Sebastian of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP-ZC) and Gina Alvarez de los Reyes presented interesting details about Alvarez as well as efforts to promote history and his heroism.
Each participating school and organization – Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Ferndale International, Universidad de Zamboanga, Zamboanga Chong Hua High School, Western Mindanao State University and the Center for Youth Networking and Development Initiatives – committed to help raise and sustain awareness about the contributions of Gen. Alvarez.
The forum formed part of the observance of Dia de Gen. Vicente Alvarez, institutionalized through City Ordinance 334 naming Plaza Roma situated at the Corner of Don Pablo Lorenzo St., Zaragoza St. and Gen. Alvarez St. as Plaza Vicente S. Alvarez and setting May 18 of every year as Dia de Gen. Vicente S. Alvarez in recognition of Alvarez’ feats.
May 18 marks the day when Alvarez led the fight for sovereignty resulting to the surrender of Spanish forces led by Gov. General Diego de los Rios on May 18, 1899 at Fort Pilar.
(Source: City Government of Zamboanga City Facebook page, photo courtesy by Kathy Wee Sit)
