Mayor Beng Climaco led Zamboangueños in the commemoration of the 75th Liberation of Zamboanga in fitting ceremonies marking the landing of allied forces at the Yellow Beach in Sinunuc and was attended by war veterans, military personnel and some US troops.
Themed “Keeping the Valour of the Heroes of World War II”, the event kicked off with wreathlaying rites at the Liberation marker in barangay Sinunuc and was followed by a commemorative program at the navy beach in Calarian. It was graced by National Historical Commission of the Philippines Executive Director Carmina Arevalo and Philippine Veterans Affairs Office Administrator Usec Ernesto Carolina and Wesmincom Chief LtGen Cirilito Sobejana and Philippine Navy officials.
Mayor Climaco in her message paid tribute to World War II veterans, the civilians, the soldiers and even the US forces who at that time, supported and helped each other to defend the city and the country.
She said the 75th anniversary celebration of the Liberation of Zamboanga is to honor the heroism of Zamboanguenos – Christians, Muslims and Lumads, who, together with the allied forces came to defend the City that led to Zamboanga’s liberation. “In the presence of our young people today, we live with you the legacy of love for God and love for country. May we never forget the sacrifices especially of those who have given their lives.”
The mayor emphasized that the same unity and love for God and country is demonstrated by the living heroes of today – civilians, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the US forces and other sectors – be they Christians, Muslims or Lumads. “Igual este tiempo ta man ayudahan para defende con el ciudad. Pero parte del di aton historia amo el esfuerzo del di aton Fuerza Armada de Filipinas quien este tiempo ta representa un actual heroe, an actual living hero led by Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana. To the AFP and even the US forces, all of you with our veterans have dedicated your lives, continually sacrificing to do your sworn duty for God and humanity.”
Climaco called on all those present in the celebration to “never forget the prize of our freedom and as we honor our freedom, we also honor the memories of those who gave their lives for our city, our nation and the world.”
Also present during the activities were Vice Mayor Rommel Agan, Councilors Josephine Pareja, Monsi de la Cruz, Al Jihan Edding, John Dalipe, El King Omaga, Bong Atilano, Jimmy Villaflores and Khymer Olaso, representatives from the US Marines, Sinunuc barangay officials led by Chair Pilarica Ledesma, some students and other sectors. (Sheila Covarrubias)