Mayor Khymer Olaso, together with Chief of Staff and Secretary Celso Lobregat and City Administrator Percival Ramos on Monday, August 25, called on all barangay chairpersons to tackle pressing community problems and strengthen governance at the grassroots level.
In a meeting at the City Hall conference room, Mayor Olaso urged barangay leaders to support the local government’s vision of improving the lives of Zamboangueños through transparent and efficient public service.
Key community concerns discussed included enforcement against illegal sand and gravel quarrying, the implementation of solid waste segregation by September 2025, collaborative efforts to curb illegal drugs and other harmful substances, as well as heightened awareness on cyberbullying and public disturbances which are all aimed at strengthening peace and order in Zamboanga City.
Mayor Olaso reminded barangay leaders that their role is crucial, as their actions create a tremendous effect on the city’s overall efforts. He also emphasized that his administration supports their programs and initiatives for residents, provided these are aligned with the existing policies and ordinances.
The chief executive likewise urged the first and second district councilors to craft new ordinances and amend existing ones to address community concerns, strengthen local governance and impose necessary penalties to ensure discipline and compliance.
Meanwhile, Lobregat and Ramos appealed for the support of barangay chairpersons, stressing that the mayor cannot do it alone and needs their assistance to effectively serve the people.
Prior to the mayor’s arrival at the meeting, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) Director PCol. Fidel Fortaleza, Jr., together with his technical team, presented peace and order initiatives at the barangay level. The presentation focused on addressing crimes such as rape, illegal drugs, bullying and sexual-harassment.
The ZCPO team emphasized that protecting women and children, who are most vulnerable to these threats, requires strict enforcement of national laws including Republic Act No. 10267 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 and Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act.
City Director Fortaleza expressed optimism with strong coordination among barangay leaders, the City Government and the community as a whole, Zamboanga can build a safer environment that empowers the younger generations to thrive.
Further discussions were led by Lobregat and Ramos, together with Vice Mayor Beng Climaco who was represented by Councilor Atty. Mel Sadain, as Mayor Olaso rushed to Barangay Tumaga in response to flooding that affected residents in Filinvest, Kalayaan, Ayudahan and Paraiso Homes caused by inclement weather.
Also joining at the meeting were Councilors BG Guingona, Hannah Nuño, Frederick Atilano, Atty. Gian Enriquez, Rey Bayoging, Dan Vicente, Atty. Vlad Jimenez and Litlit Macrohon, Indigenous People’s (IP) representative Aida Paniorotan and Acting City Enviroment and Natural Resources Officer Gerry Pollisco. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)