The City Government spearheads the commemoration of Dia de Cesar marking the 39th death anniversary of Mayor Cesar Cortez Climaco (CCC), Tuesday, November 14.
The fitting activity kicked off with a mass at the Holy Trinity Church in Pasonanca and was capped by the wreathlaying rite and commemorative program at the late mayor’s tomb in Climaco Freedom Park in Abong-abong, Pasonanca.
Mayor John Dalipe, represented by Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja extolled the late mayor Climaco for being “a true visionary, a pillar of democracy and a stalwart advocate for freedom and good governance.”
“Mayor Climaco was not merely a leader, he was a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity, a voice for the voiceless and a champion for justice. His passion for the wellbeing of Zamboangueños was evident in every decision he made, every policy he championed and every stand he took,” Dalipe’s message said, adding “in the realm of govenance, ===in the realm of governance, he set an exemplary standard.”
Dr. Junie Climaco, the late mayor’s son, thanked the city government and all those who attended the commemorative program, for remembering his father 39 years after his tragic death.
He recounted that his father was a champion for anti-corruption and who built the Pasonanca Park out of donations from city government officials and businessmen. “He accomplished a lot of things. This is such a nice park, built in the memory of my father.”
The activity was participated by other members of the Climaco family including former mayor Beng Climaco, Kaiser Olaso representing District I Cong. Khymer Olaso, officials from the security sector and representatives from other agencies and organizations.
On the eve of his 39th death anniversary on Monday, November 13, the city government together with the JCI Zamboanga led the wreathlaying rite at Climaco’s assassination site.
Climaco was gunned down while attending to the needs of the people who were victims of a fire incident in Gov. Alvarez Avenue on Nov. 14, 1984.
The City Tourism Office under the Office of the City Mayor facilitated the commemorative activities. (Sheila Covarrubias)