Mayor John Dalipe has issued an urgent call for all residents to actively participate in the movement to preserve and promote the chabacano language, the foundation of a new Zamboanga, stressing the responsibility of each individual to enrich and strengthen the city’s culture and history.
“Canta kita otra vez maga canciones en Chabacano, escribi kita otra vez maga poemas y historias en Chabacano, y initia kita el Renacimiento del lenguaje Chabacano,” the mayor said in his message read by Councilor VP Elago during the Fora de Chabacano (chabacano forum) organized by the City Government through the City Tourism Office and the Museo de Zamboanga, Wednesday, June 26 at the Sapphire Hall, Grand Astoria Hotel.
Dalipe reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to chabacano as a language of development, peace, unity and prosperity. “El administracion Dalipe ta dale imporancia con el Chabacano como lenguaje de desarollo, lenguaje de paz y unidad, y lenguaje de prosperidad. Usa kita con este, preserva, y comparti na de aton pais y na mundo – para ojala puede sila mira, ama, y aprecia el de este hermosura.”
The forum, held in line with the commemoration of the 13 th Dia de Fundacion Chabacano focused on Chabacano Literature and History, Digital Media, and Visual Arts. It was topbilled by chavacano experts, who presented and shared their knowledge, emphasizing the importance of promoting and preserving the language. It aimed not only for preservation and promotion but also ensured that the language’s rich heritage continues to thrive for future generations.
A highlight of the forum was the presentation of a posthumus award to relatives of the late Dr. Jose Genaro Yap, who greatly contributed in the promotion and preservation of the language.
Present during the fora in chabacano were Councilor Vino Guingona, City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez and staff, El Museo de Zamboanga Head Arch. Ildefonso Torres Jr.; relatives of the late Dr. Jose Genaro Yap-Aizon; representatives from various state colleges and universities; ZC Tourism Council; ZC Tour Guide Association; ZC Federation of Tourism Club; Local Council for the Culture, Arts and History (LCCAH) and SK Federation, among others. (with reports from Bernadeth Lazaro) (photo credits: Miljohn Mancao)