THE “Verano” Festival, or Summer Festival, will kick off on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, with a commemorative program to honor the brave soldiers who fought against Japanese forces during the Second World War.
City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian said on Tuesday that the commemorative program marking the start of the festival is significant, as the country is also commemorating Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor).
The Day of Valor honors the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in the Second World War.
“We have lined up a series of activities to celebrate and enjoy summer in Zamboanga. We have sports-related events and will also feature activities for Heritage Month,” Sebastian said.
Heritage Month is celebrated every May, with the goal of fostering awareness, respect, and love for the nation’s cultural history among Filipinos.
Sebastian said that during the Verano Festival, the city government will pay homage to two well-known and respected residents of Zamboanga City—former Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat and General Vicente Alvarez.
Sebastian also mentioned that the city government will lead the observance of “Dia de Ma’am Caling” in celebration of the late mayor’s birthday on April 26.
Lobregat, affectionately called Ma’am or Tita Caling, was the first woman mayor of Zamboanga City. Before being elected mayor, Caling served for three terms as the city’s representative in Congress.
The Dia de Vicente Alvarez will be celebrated with a tribute program on May 18.
Alvarez was a Zamboangueño revolutionary general who led the revolution in Zamboanga, forcing the surrender of Diego de los Rios, the last Spanish Governor-General, effectively ending the Spanish occupation of the Philippines in 1899.
Meanwhile, Sebastian said that the famous islands of Zamboanga City—Great Sta. Cruz and Once Islas (11 Islands)—will again be highlighted during the festival with their respective events.
The Great Sta. Cruz Island will host the Dive Safari 2025 on April 21 and the Fiesta na Sta. Cruz Island on May 4.
Sebastian said the Once Islas Food Festival will be held at Baung-Baung Island on May 10.
Other lined-up activities include Bike Night on April 25; a kite flying competition on May 3; Verano Football Fest from April 26 to 27; and a grand parade of lovely belles, gowns, and arcs on May 11.
She is optimistic that a large group of visitors will participate in the Verano Festival, as several big MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events are set to take place in the city in April and May. (SunStar Zamboanga)