In celebration of the 100th birth anniversary of Ma’am Caling, let’s look back on her personal life and career as the first woman mayor and congressional representative of the City.
Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat, also known as Ma’am Caling by the Zamboangueños, was born on April 26, 1921 in Zamboanga City. She is the daughter of Don Pablo Lorenzo and Luisa Rafols who married Celso Lobregat Sr. They were blessed with six children.
Ma’am Caling is the first woman mayor of the City elected in 1998 and re-elected in 2001; branded as the mother of Zamboanga during her term. Her kindhearted spirit and affectionate character, which Zamboangueños endeared, gave her this recognition. The rehabilitation programs of the City’s landmarks have accomplished during her term. The local government employees were also required to use traditional Filipino attire in the office every Monday by her due to her high regard for the City’s heritage.
Before she began her career as mayor, she was elected Congresswoman of the Lone District of Zamboanga in 1987, re-elected in 1992 and then in 1995. She also became a member of the Commission on Appointments and several key committees in the House of Representatives.
Her gallantry flaunted when she championed the cause to exclude Zamboanga and other cities and provinces in Mindanao into the Zone of Peace and Development (ZOPAD) for what they termed as a “sell-out of Mindanao” during Ramos administration. She cited the lack of consultation and transparency in the negotiations to include areas for ZOPAD, which was supposed to be administered by the Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development (SPCPD).
Ma’am Caling’s devotion to her faith and as a witness of how Zamboangueños significantly celebrate Fiesta Pilar declared October 12 as a non-working holiday in 1991. She sponsored the Republic Act No. 7903, better known as the ZAMBOECOZONE Law, and the Republic Act Nos. 7272 and 7474, both approved in 1992. The creations of these laws lead the way for the upgrading of facilities in Zamboanga City Polytechnic College (now referred to as the Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College) and the Zamboanga City Medical Center.
Indeed, she devoted her life to the cause of her constituents. Ma’am Caling won the heart of every Zamboangueños through her reputation and exemplary accomplishment in the government service.