MAYOR Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has urged Zamboangueños to continue the efforts on the promotion, preservation and propagation of the Chavacano language, the third most widely spoken Creole language in the world.
Salazar made the call as she led Sunday, June 23, the celebration of the 8th Dia de Fundacion Chavacano held at a shopping mall in Zamboanga City.
Salazar said it is very important for the young generation to speak and understand Chavacano, as it is the city's legacy and one of the pillars of the Zamboangueño culture.
Salazar also led the launching of a new set of books, produced by the local government, during the celebration of the 8th Dia de Fundacion Chavacano.
Forming part of the city's effort to promote and preserve the Chavacano language, the books launched included Chavacano dictionary Volume 2, Chavacano grammar book and Riqueza: Chavacano essays and studies Volume 3.
The books were produced through the efforts of Salazar and Dr. Jose Genaro Yap-Aizon.
The mayor said the books will be distributed for free to all schools and offices in the city.
She said the production of Chavacano dictionary, school textbooks under the K to 12's mother tongue-based multilingual education (MTB-MLE) and other reference materials form part of the city's program for the culture and arts.
The Dia de Fundacio Chavacano is held every 23rd of June pursuant to City Ordinance 374.
Chavacano is a Spanish derivative language that traces its beginnings to June 23, 1635 when the cornerstone of the Fuerza de San Jose, now more popularly known as Fort Pilar, was laid down. (SunStar Philippines)