An Insignia of a Rich Heritage

by Kent Jestoni Gabo

Amidst the busy streets, amidst the people of different tribes and cultures, amidst the reverberating sound of the city, there is resplendence.

At the heart of the pueblo of what we call Zamboanga today, there lies a century-old edifice that speaks of its people. The Zamboanga City Hall, with its flamboyant Hispanic architectural design, was constructed in 1905 and was completed two years after. This was the period when the Federal Government of the United States was in control of this “Sung Lupa” or Pointed Land, as the Subanen of old would call it. It was a sanctuary for the American Governors then, but what they did not know is that the hall has its higher purpose.

As a house for the city’s government then and now, the hall stood witness of the many events and circumstances that shaped this city. A lot of us may know Plaza Pershing, but only a few knows the man behind that name. General John J. Pershing, who, in a greater perspective, was an important personage during World War I, actually used to consider the edifice as his abode as he was the military commander of the Moro Province from 1909-1914.

Zamboanga City Hall further saw the rise and fall of the city’s mayors. Some left their mark on its pedestal, while others left mere fragments that still constitute to our Zamboanga. One notable mayor is Hon. Maria Clara Lobregat, who, during her administration, was akin to Zamboangeño culture and heritage that she would require city hall employees to wear Filipiniaña attire during Mondays. There was also Hon. Cesar Climaco, who was appropriately tough and during the martial law posted a “tally board” in front of the hall that contains a running tally list of unsolved potent crimes in the city.

We might not be seeing another mayor like Lobregat or Climaco. But Zamboanga City Hall will always be a reminder for us how these people molded Zamboanga. Zamboanga City Hall will be a constant reminder for us to continue the heritage and pride our forbears emanated. Zamboanga City Hall will still be a reminder of what it really takes to be called truly Zamboangeño.