THE City Government of Zamboanga on Monday, November 14, 2022, held a simple yet meaningful ceremony commemorating the 38th death anniversary of Mayor Cesar Cortes Climaco, who is remembered for his toughness in governance and colorful personality.
Mayor John Dalipe exhorted Zamboangueños to have the courage and determination like that of Mayor Cesar Climaco and to “love our country more and always go for the common good.”
“May we embody the life principle of Cesar Climaco – dedicated, firm and with principle,” Dalipe said during the commemorative ceremony held at Climaco’s gave site in Mount Abong-Abong in Pasonanca villages, this city.
Climaco was buried at the Abong-Abong Natural Park as it is his pet project before he was killed. The park was later named as Climaco Freedom Park.
Dr. Cesar Climaco, Jr., son of the legendary mayor who represented the Climaco family, thanked the City Government for perpetuating the memory of his father through the yearly observance of “Dia de Cesar (Day of Cesar)."
The commemorative activity is jointly organized by the City Government and the JCI Zamboanga Incorporated. It started with a mass at the Sta. Maria Parish Church at 7 a.m.
Dalipe together with the JCI Zamboanga Inc. officials joined the Climaco family during wreath-laying rites on Sunday night, November 13, at the assassination site in Governor Alvarez Avenue in Camino Nuevo village.
Climaco was killed on November 14, 1984 while responding to a fire incident in Governor Alvarez Avenue. His assassins remain unknown up to this time.
Climaco has served as mayor of this city for 11 years over three non-consecutive terms.
When Climaco was elected in 1980, his running mate, former Air Force Major Manuel Dalipe, the father of the incumbent mayor, who is the aviator of the then first couple, was also elected as the vice mayor of this city.
The activity was participated by members of the Climaco family, representatives from the security sector, JCI Zamboanga Inc. officers and other well-meaning individuals, organizations and private groups. (SunStar Zamboanga)