Mayor Beng Climaco declared suspension of work in the City Government as well as classes in all levels in the city Friday, October 11 in support of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival activities.

The declaration is contained in Executive Order 510 issued Thursday and based on consultations with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), City Legal Office and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Dr. Elmeir Apolinario.

Not included in the declaration of work suspension are national government agencies, GOCCs and other institutions as they are not under the jurisdiction of the local government unit. Suspension is at the discretion of the respective head of office.

Exempted from the work suspension in the city government are city officials and employees whose services are required or indispensable during the celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.

The City government through the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival steering committee has lined up various activities for the visitors and all Zamboangueños are encouraged to participate and enjoy.

Climaco said the issuance of the EO is pursuant to the General Welfare Clause of the Local Government Code, which mandates local government units to ensure, among others, the preservation and enrichment of culture.

Saturday, April 12, the feast day of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar will be a special non-working holiday in Zamboanga City pursuant to Republic Act 7350 of April 2, 1992.

Activities for Friday, the eve of the feast of Nuestra Senora La Virgen del Pilar include the street dance competition at 8am from City Hall to the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Baliwasan where the commemorative program will follow.  In the evening starting at 6 will be the Parade of Lights from San Jose Road to the City Hall premises.   (Sheila Covarrubias)