The city’s Verano (Summer) Festival will begin Wednesday with a program commemorating the soldiers who fought against Japanese forces during World War II.
City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian said Tuesday that the opening program holds significance as the country observes Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).
Day of Valor honors the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers during the 1940s Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II.
“We have lined up a series of activities to celebrate and enjoy summer in Zamboanga. We have sports-related activities and we will also feature activities for Heritage Month,” Sebastian said in an interview.
Heritage Month is observed every May to promote awareness, respect and appreciation for the nation’s cultural history among Filipinos.
Sebastian said that during the Verano Festival, the city government will also pay tribute to two prominent Zamboanga City figures: former mayor Maria Clara Lobregat and General Vicente Alvarez.
The observance of “Dia de Ma’am Caling” will be led by the city government on April 26, celebrating the late mayor’s birthday.
Lobregat, fondly known as Ma’am or Tita Caling, was the first woman mayor of Zamboanga City and previously served three terms as the city’s representative in Congress.
On May 18, a tribute program will be held for Alvarez, who led the revolution in Zamboanga that led to the surrender of Diego de los Rios, the last Spanish governor-general, and effectively ended Spanish rule in the Philippines in 1899.
Sebastian also highlighted the participation of Zamboanga City’s well-known islands: Great Sta. Cruz and Once Islas (11 Islands).
Great Sta. Cruz will host the Dive Safari 2025 on April 21 and the Fiesta ng Sta. Cruz Island on May 4.
The Once Islas Food Festival will take place in Baung-Baung Island on May 10.
Other activities include Bike Night on April 25; kite-flying competition on May 3; Verano football fest on April 26 and 27; and a grand parade on May 11.
Sebastian expressed optimism that the Verano Festival will attract visitors, noting that several major MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events are also scheduled here in April and May. (PNA)
