Zamboanga City revolutionary hero honored

THE present generation have been urged to emulate the heroism, patriotism and dedication of Zamboanga City’s revolutionary hero, General Vicente Alvarez.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar made the call as she and the family of the late Alvarez led the commemorative program on Friday, May 18, in this city.

The relatives of Alvarez present during the program were the following: Fe Alvarez, Georgina Alvarez-Delos Reyes, Samuel Alvarez, Sheila Alvarez-Yaung, Douglas Alfonso, Genaro Alvarez Sr., Jued Alvarez, and Benjie Alvarez.

The commemorative program kicked off with a mass at 6:30 a.m. at the Fort Pilar Shrine and was followed by the wreath-laying ceremony at the Plaza Vicente S. Alvarez at the corner of Don Pablo Lorenzo, Zaragoza, and Gen. Alvarez Streets.

Salazar has also called on Zamboangueños--Christians, Muslims and Lumads--to stay united, valiant and firm in rooting lawless elements out of this city.

A Neo-Ethnic Dance Competition capped the commemorative program at 8 a.m. at the City Hall grounds.

The undefeated champion, Western Mindanao State University’s (WMSU) Jambangan Dance Company, won for three years in a row, while Sinag Tala Performing Arts of Southern City Colleges and Bailes of Ayala National High School placed second and third, respectively.

Every year, this city celebrates the “Dia de Gen. Vicente Alvarez” on May 18 as mandated by City Ordinance 334.

It marks the day when Alvarez led the fight for sovereignty resulting to the surrender of Spanish forces led by Governor-General Diego de los Rios on May 18, 1899 at Fort Pilar.

Alvarez was born in April 5, 1862 as the fifth child to Don Alejo Alvarez and Isidora Solis in Magay, this city.

Alvarez died in Labason, Zamboanga del Norte on November 4, 1942, leaving a legacy as revolutionary leader who fought foreign occupation in Zamboanga and in the Philippines.

The commemorative observance is intended to drum up awareness on the contributions and the heroism of Alvarez. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)

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