Mayor John Dalipe has conveyed his sincerest gratitude and appreciation to all Zamboangueños, particularly the private partners and security sector, for the successful, peaceful and orderly conduct of all activities under this year’s Zamboanga Hermosa Festival that culminated on the feast day of the city’s patroness saint Nuestra Sñora La Virgen del Pilar on Thursday, Oct. 12.

Mayor Dalipe together with other city officials was visibly elated as he addressed thousands of spectators that filled the Grandstand to the rafters during the festival’s main program after the street dance and parade of lights competition Wednesday night.

He said this year’s grandest Hermosa Festival highlighted by the street dance backs-to-back with the parade of lights was a testament to the city’s full recovery from effects of the two-year pandemic.

The showmanship of all performers and the huge turnout of Zamboangueños in all activities demonstrated the people’s unity and unwavering faith as the city under his administration continues to advance socio-economic progress and development.

The main program had for its guest speaker Western Mindanao Command chief Major General Steve Crespillo represented by deputy commander Brig. Gen. Vincent Incognito.

Among those present were District 1 Rep. Khymer Olaso, Vice Mayor Pinpin Pareha, the city councilors and departments heads led by City Administrator Wendell Sotto, city police director Lt. Col. Alexander Lorenzo, City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian, former mayor Manuel Dalipe, Mayor Joel Ventura of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, Mayor Ali Sali of Akbar Municipality, Basilan and Vice Mayor Joval Samonte of Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay. (Vic Larato)