ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor John Dalipe bared plans to transform this city into the Frontier City of Mindanao as he led the celebration of the 126th Philippine Independence Day here on June 12.

MAYOR John Dalipe poses (front row, center) with city councilors during the 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Zamboanga City on June 12. (City Hall PIO)
The program started with a wreath-laying ceremony and flag-raising rites at Plaza Rizal in front of the Zamboanga City Hall.
Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja led the Pledge of Allegiance before heads of government offices, the military, and the police.
In his message, Dalipe announced his intention to transform Zamboanga City into the Frontier City of Mindanao, a model city of progress, unity, and hope.
As such, it is of paramount importance to embody the principles of sustainability and inclusivity in plans and programs of government, he said.
He urged the people to always give importance to the sacrifices of the country’s forefathers and use this as guidance and inspiration for what the city wants to achieve in the future.
“Let us draw inspiration from the bravery and determination of our forebears. Let us work hand-in-hand, to build a Zamboanga City that is truly the Frontier City of Mindanao – a city that stands as a shining example of what we can achieve when we unite for the common good,” Dalipe said.
The program was attended by government heads of offices, city councilors, officers and personnel from the Zamboanga City Police Office, Police Regional Office-9, Western Mindanao Command, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Coast Guard, and Zamboanga veterans.