DISTRICT 1 Congressman Celso Lobregat has lauded the law enforcement authorities for their commendable efforts in sustaining the peaceful and tranquil celebration of the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar on Friday, October 12.
Lobregat said that indeed there is a positive outcome if consolidated efforts and cooperation among all stakeholders in this city, especially in dealing with the volatile peace and order condition.
“There is no amount of lawlessness which can overcome unity in prayer, efforts and aided with vigilance and cooperation of everybody, and this was the good result. I commend all the men in uniform and the stakeholders for safeguarding the feast of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar,” Lobregat said.
Lobregat also thanked the Archdiocese of Zamboanga led by Archbishop Romulo Dela Cruz for sustaining the solemnity of the celebration and for the show of unity displayed amongst religious leaders, devotees from all walks of life, who flocked together in the grand procession and the Pontifical Mass.
He said the influx of people during the procession and holy mass “only shows how blessed we are with the protection and guidance of our patron saint.”
He appealed the Zamboangueños to sustain their vigilance and cooperation all throughout the year to help protect the city from the lawless elements.
The feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, the most revered saint of this city, is the highlight of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.
Every October 12 of each year is declared a non-working holiday in this city pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 7350 to allow the Zamboangueños to fittingly celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar.
The RA 7350 otherwise known as “An Act declaring October 12 of every year a special non-working holiday in the City of Zamboanga” was authored by the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, the mother of Celso, and was approved on April 2, 1992. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)