City Government of Zamboanga

31/08/2026

𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐏𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐓| Mayor Khymer Olaso called for initiatives to preserve and promote the Chavacano language, stressing that cultural preservation is a core priority for the local administration.

During the third day of the Technical Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2027, Mayor Olaso reiterated that the city’s unique identity relies on its native Spanish-based creole language. Urging the City Tourism Office to outline initiatives, and operational plans aligned with the government’s cultural preservation goals.

The Chief Executive also stressed the need to support Zamboanga’s traditional weaving culture, highlighting local craftsmanship as another vital pillar of the city’s rich heritage.

The 3rd day of the budget hearing convened city department heads, Colegio de la Ciudad de Zamboanga to present their proposed programs, projects and expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year.

Present in the said session were members of the Finance Committee including Councilor Litlit Macrohon, Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary Celso Lobregat, City Budget Officer Geraldine dela Paz, City Planning and Development Coordinator Ma. Luz Agbayani and other local government representatives.(text and photos: Rachel Sarif)

31/08/2026

‎𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐎 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓, 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐄𝐒|
‎Mayor Khymer Olaso on Monday, August 31 led the program commmemorating National Heroes' Day, as he honored past and present heroes for their love of country, courage in the face of adversity, selflessness, integrity, and unity.

In his message during the program held at the Rizal Monument fronting Chity Hall, Olaso acknowledged the unsung heroes in local communities "whose stories may never be written in history books—but whose contributions have made a difference in the lives of others."

These modern heroes include the soldiers and police officers, teachers, health workers, fatmets and fishetfolks, public servants, parents, and ordinary Zamboangueňos, who, Olaso said,
help make Zamboanga city a better place through simple acts of kindness, courage, honesty, and service.

"This is the true meaning of heroism: the willingness to serve others, even when there is no recognition or reward," the mayor stressed.

He said people need not wait for extraordinary circumstances to become heroes as everyday presents opportunities to demonstrate heroism.

He added: "For us in the City Government of Zamboanga, honoring our heroes also means continuing the work of building a city worthy of their sacrifices—a city where every Zamboangueño has opportunities to live with dignity, security, and hope."

For his part, Western Mindanao Command Acting Chief MGen. Jose Vladimor Cagara, represented by his deputy, Bgen Bayani Curaming likewise underscored the significant contributions of modern day heroes not only of the heroes of the Cry of Pugadlawin in 1896 when members of the Katipunan led by Andrés Bonifacio launched the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule.

"Heroism is not confined to history books or statues carved in stone, heroism is a living virtue that defines our people," Curaming emphasized, adding that service must adapt to meet the current needs.
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‎Key officials present during the event, included Vice Mayor Beng Climaco, Councilors Mel Sadain and B**g Atilano, Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary Celso Lobregat, city department heads, Veteran Association members, security forces, Bureau of Fire Protection, non- government organizations, national government agencies, Boy Scouts Council, and the academe among others.( Rachel Sarif) (photo credits: Katherine Wee Sit)

30/08/2026

ATM| Mayor Khymer Olaso leads various community sectors in paying tribute to the known and unsung heroes of our nation's freedom in observance of National Heroes' Day at the City Hall grounds, Monday morning, August 31, 2026.
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Participants include men in uniform, the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, representatives from national government agencies, division chiefs and department heads of the City Government, Knights of Columbus - Peñafrancia Paris, members of academic institutions, Boyscout of the Philippines - Zamboanga City Council, among others.
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‎A short commemorative program will follow shortly.

(Rachel Sarif) (photo credits: Kathy Katherine Wee Sit)

30/08/2026

𝐅𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐙 𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐃𝐄 𝐋𝐎𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐍𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒!

The city government of Zamboanga under the administration of Mayor Khymer Olaso joins the nation in the commemoration of National Heroes Day.

Muchisimas gracias por el de ustedes sacrificio por amor del nacion Filipinas y Ciudad de Zamboanga!

30/08/2026

CITY SPEARHEADS NAT’L HEROES’ DAY RITES| Mayor Khymer Olaso will spearhead activities commemorating National Heroes’ Day Monday, August 31, 2026, declared as a regular holiday nationwide.

The commemorative activity will be marked by a flag-raising ceremony at Plaza Rizal fronting City Hall at 730am.

Acting Western Mindanao Command Chief MGen Jose Vladimir Cagara, PA, will keynote the commemorative activity aimed to honor and pay respects to the bravery of all Filipino heroes who sacrificed their live and liberty for the nation’s cause.

The celebration of National Heroes Day began during the American Colonial Period, according to the Official Gazette. The Philippine Legislature, then dominated by Filipino leaders who represented the national aspiration for independence, first enacted the holiday into law through Act No. 3827 on October 28, 1931.

The official date for the observance of the National Heroes’ Day changed throughout the years. On July 24, 2007, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act 9492 which set the celebration of the National Heroes Day on the last Monday of August.

The National Heroes’ Day names no specific single hero but instead is an occasion that allows the nation the opportunity to remember and honor all Filipino heroes, old and new. (CMO-PIO) (FILE PHOTOS)

30/08/2026

HAPPENING NOW: The Mayor Olaso Cup 2026 Season 3 Championship.

The energy inside the coliseum is electric! We are live for the gra...

30/08/2026

SUNDAY NIGHT AT SAVORES DE ZAMBOANGA| Alegria y sabroso comida na Savores de Zamboanga enfrente City Hall.

Today, Sunday, Savores is open only until 10pm and will be back again next weekend.

(with reports from Rachel Sarif) (photo credits: Celsa Suan)

30/08/2026

The energy inside the coliseum is electric! We are live for the grand finale of the Mayor Olaso Cup Season 3, powered by B-Steel Promotion.
⚡ HAPPENING RIGHT NOW:
⚬ Dunk Competition — High-flying action above the rim!
🔥 UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS TO WATCH FOR:
⚬ Exhibition Game (6:00 PM): Olaso All Star vs. Team Zamboanga
⚬ Game Showdown (7:45 PM): Boss Atan vs. Bogeeyman
⚬ THE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH (8:35 PM): Sangali Marcus Ashantime vs. Calarian
⚬ Special Performances & Raffles: WMSU Cheerdance Club Halftime Show & Grand Raffle Draw!
Drop your cheers in the comments below! Who are you rooting for tonight? Don't forget to LIKE, SHARE, and stay tuned until the champion is crowned! 🏆

30/08/2026

𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒 𝐆𝐀𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒, 𝐀𝐒 𝐏𝐂𝐖 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐓, 𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓| Representatives from the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) conducted a site visit and assessment of Zamboanga City’s Gender and Development (GAD) programs and services, Thursday, August 26, 2026.

Dubbed as the Gender-Responsive Local Government Unit (GeRL) assessment, the activity covered the GAD programs and services in selected offices and community facilities in the city. The visit covered the GAD Services Office in Sta. Maria, Balay Silangan in Barangay Pasonanca, the Mendicants Facility in Culianan, and the Office of Councilor Hannah Nuño.

PCW GAD specialists spearheaded the visit and assessment. They included Senior Specialist Ariel Rivera, Gregory Louis Cadeatan Magbanua, and Angelica Bolotaolo.

During the GeRL assessment at a local hotel, representatives from various City Government offices and divisions, together with members of the academic and LGBTQIA+ sectors, took part in the activity through their respective GAD Focal Point Systems (GFPS).

The assessment sought to determine how effectively the city has integrated GAD mainstreaming into its governance structures, policies, programs, projects, and other initiatives, while identifying areas that may still require improvement.

Mayor Khymer Olaso represented by Executive Assistant Junty Castillo underscored the significance of the assessment in establishing an accurate evaluation of the city’s current practices and identifying gaps that need to be addressed.

Meanwhile, City Councilors Hon. Jihan Edding, Hon. Kim Villaflores, and Hon. Hannah Nuño conveyed their support for the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting and sustaining gender-responsive policies and programs in the city.

The session also included a discussion on the GAD Local Learning Hub (GAD-LLH), particularly its classification among different cities. This was followed by the validation of the GeRL Assessment Tool results and the verification of the submitted Means of Verification (MOVs).

Through the continued implementation of GAD initiatives, the City Government aims to further strengthen its gender-responsive policies, programs, and systems and ensure that gender equality and inclusivity remain part of its governance and delivery of public services. (JM Cataylo) (photo credits: Miljohn Mancao)