The City Government led by Mayor John Dalipe Monday night mounted the first-ever Riqueza de Baul, an artifact collection competition, showcasing rare but relevant historical or cultural objects that were hidden from public view.

Mayor Dalipe described the event as a celebration of the true treasures of Zamboanga City stressing that the city’s “heritage sites, rich history and sacred artifacts are the foundation of our identity and serve as a wellspring of inspiration for nation building.”

“Maga recuerdo del di aton maga anciano amo el di aton inspiracion y ta manda acorda canaton que necesita kita trabaja mas fuerte para el asenso y desarollo di aton Ciudad,” the mayor said in his message during the activity held at the City Museum in Pasonanca.

“In each of these artifacts are stories we find strength and inspiration to construct a future and pride respect for our roots,” the mayor added.

The activity, organized by the City Museum Division was inspired by the “America’s Lost Treasures” TV program of the National Geographic Channel and aimed to bring out and share valuable collections, which are highly relevant to the culture, arts, heritage, and historical development of Zamboanga City. It was also in line with the observance of National Heritage Month as well as formed part of the Zamboanga Verano Festival 2023.

City Museum curator Arch. Ildefonso Torres Jr. said more similar activities will be initiated in the future to create more awareness and encourage more community participation in artifact collection.

Over 20 entries were submitted of which 10 were selected as winners by a panel of experts. The first prize winner received P10k, second – P8k, third – P7k and seven consolation prizes of P5K each. The list of winners is as follows:

𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 – Japanese Flag (Sandra J. Marquez)

𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 – Twin Fish Celadon with Coins and Jade Cups and Pre-colonial Belt (Gibson B. Salvador)

𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 – 1885 Alfonso Fractional Coins (Krystel P. Salvador)

Consolation Prize Winners:

1. Ofrezco la Misa (Sandra J. Marquez)

2. Ceramic Plate (Pilar R. Benito)

3. Molino de Piedra (Ramona E. Dela Cruz)

4. Plancha de Antes (Angelo B. Garniel)

5. 1949 Fractional Banknotes of the Philippines (Gibson B. Salvador)

6. WWII Fractional Japanese Emergency Banknotes in the Philippines (Gibson B. Salvador)

7. Kodascope Projector (Angelo B. Garniel)

Present during the event were Councilor Jerome Santos, some city officials, the panel of judges, artifacts collectors and members of the Local Council for Culture, Arts and History (LCCAH). (Sheila Covarrubias)