ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor John Dalipe joined the residents here as the city celebrated its 86th Charter Day or Dia de Zamboanga on Sunday, Feb.  26.

Hundreds of people representing the different sectors of the city participated in a parade from the Zamboanga City Hall grounds to the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Stadium.

The celebration was highlighted by a commemorative program led by Dalipe and attended by city and national government, military, and police officials and representatives from various sectors.

Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. General Ray Galido, who represented Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez, and Mayor Dalipe stressed the significance of being united to achieve peace, progress, and development.

The celebration actually started last week with various activities, including 1st Paralympic Games, a job fair, and the Local Achievers' Night among others.

February 26 became a yearly observance as it was on this day in 1937 that the city’s first set of appointed city officials led by the first mayor of Zamboanga City, Mayor Nicasio Valderosa, was officially installed.