Mayor John Dalipe led the City Hall flag ceremony for the first time Monday, July 4 coinciding with the Regional and City launching of the 48th Nutrition Month celebration.

Starting early at 7:30am, the flag ceremony, hosted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod led by Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja, was attended not only by City Government officials and employees but by representatives from the national government agencies as well as Zamboanga City Police Office led by Acting City Police Director PCol. Alex Lorenzo.

In his message, Dalipe reiterated his aspiration to achieve progress, change and provide sincere service in his administration. “Progreso y cambio, servicio sincero- este el di aton aspiracion na creacion de un govierno para con el Ciudad de Zamboanga.”

“My only appeal is for all of you to help me make our aspirations a reality. Let us come together and look at this time as an opportunity to develop Zamboanga to a different level. Usa kita con este tiempo para impoja con el un mejor Ciudad,” the young mayor said, addressing the city government officials and employees.

He warned government workers against receiving bribes or any form of monetary considerations in exchange of government services stressing that all those found guilty of the malpractice will be sanctioned accordingly.

The mayor’s executive team together with his new appointees – City Administrator PGen. Mario Yanga (retired), City Legal Officer Atty. Haydee Panganiban, Executive Assistant V Atty. Maggi Tamin and other executive assistants were in full force during the flag ceremony. The City Council led by Vice Mayor Pareja was also in full force with the presence of City Councilors Jerome Santos, Joel Esteban, Charlie Mariano, Boday Cabato, VP Elago, Fred Atilano, Danilo Vicente, Carry Pioc, Vino Guingona, Jimmy Villaflores, James Siason and Eddie Saavedra to include City Secretary Atty. Kenneth Beldua.

Also present were DOH-9 Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes, PIA-9 Director Noemi Edaga and Nutrition Program Coordinator under the National Nutrition Council 9 Nimfa Ekong among others. (photo credits: Yoshi Rodriguez/ Eugene Elnar)