THE local government will observe on Sunday, June 23, the 8th founding anniversary of the Chavacano language.

The Dia de Fundacion de Chavacano (Chavacano Foundation Day) is an annual celebration spearheaded to honor, preserve, and promote the use of the Chavacano language pursuant to City Ordinance 374.

Lawyer Eric Elias, city caretaker and officer-in-charge, said this year’s celebration will kick off with a commemorative program on Sunday morning, June 23, at the KCC Mall de Zamboanga.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar will lead the commemorative program. She will be joined by the other local government officials.

Elias said the commemorative program will be followed by the 3rd Inter-School Chavacano Quiz Bee competition which will be participated in by elementary, junior, and senior high school students.

Chavacano, a Spanish derivative language which traces its beginnings back to June 23, 1635 when the cornerstone of the Fuerza de San Jose, now more popularly known as Fort Pilar, was laid down. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)