Dia di Cesar which marks the 31st death anniversary of Mayor Cesar C. Climaco kicked off Friday, Nov. 13 with the Boy and Girl Scouts vigil at the Climaco Freedom Park in Abong-abong Pasonanca at 6:30pm. On Saturday, Nov. 14, the event started with a commemorative mass at the Pasonanca Parish Church to be attended by City Government officials and employees, members of the Climaco family and representatives from the different sectors.

The mass was followed by the wreath-laying and commemorative program at the Climaco Freedom Park in Abong-abong, Pasonanca which will be highlighted by the unveiling of the CCC Installation Art and the Poster-making contest. This year's theme, "Create. Cultivate. Connect." aims to share the legacy of the iconic Mayor to the next generation.




Youth from boy scouts filled the installation with thoughts and drawings guided by the questions that were posted in each panel.




Cesar Climaco, the uncle of incumbent Mayor Beng Climaco, served as the city’s chief executive for 11 years during which he was an outspoken critic against corruption and in particular against the martial law regime of then President Ferdinand Marcos. His assassination on November 14, 1984 in Gov. Alvarez Street remains unsolved up to this time.



"I want to stop illegal logging..", "I want to achieve my goals and aspirations..."


The commemoration of the Dia di Cesar every November 14 is pursuant to an ordinance approved by the City Council with the aim of perpetuating the memory of the legendary mayor.


"Don't leave Zamboanga City."


"I want to be with my parents til the last breath of my life..."



Cesar Cortes Climaco was born on February 28, 1916 to Gregoria Climaco and Isabelita Cortes. He had 2 brothers and 2 sisters- Rafael a lawyer who became a Justice in the Court of Appeals; Jose or Jolly also a lawyer who became vice-mayor of Zamboanga and whose daughter Beng is now the incumbent mayor; Leticia, who married a prominent physician in the city, Dr. Espiridion Alvarez; and Lydia.


"Create better scouts for a better Zambonaga City..."



Cesar’s political career began when he ran for the City Council in 1953, an election which he won overwhelmingly. It was in the same year that he was designated as Mayor of Zamboanga. In 1954, he became the Chief Project Manager and Field Coordinator of Operation Brotherhood in Vietnam, a position which he served until 1955, and which won him international recognition.



He came back to Zamboanga in 1956 and ran in the first election ever held for the position of mayor in the city. Cesar went up against an appointive Mayor, Hector Suarez, and had for his running mate Dr. Tomas Ferrer under the banner of the Liberal Party. Cesar won in that election, giving him the distinction of being the first elected mayor of Zamboanga City.



Cesar Climaco served as mayor from 1953-1954; 1956-1961 and 1980- 1984.





The CCC Installation art is designed and conceptualized by Cedrick S. Zabala and made possible by the General Services Office headed by Arch. Rizamay Basing.

Thirty years ago, Zamboanga's iconic Mayor Cesar Cortez Climaco was killed at the streets of Camino Nuevo, leaving the city in sorrow. Mayor Cesar left a legacy of Courage and Honor as he battled during the Marcos regime and fought for the nation's democracy. This week the City Government, headed by Mayor Beng Climaco, the niece of Cesar Climaco, prepare a lineup of events to commemorate his life and legacy.

Carisma. Coraje. Compasión. These are the trademarks of Cesar Climaco which every Zamboangueños should emulate. Let's take part on this wonderful history and help make Zamboanga a better city by following the footsteps of our heroes who risked their lives for our city and country. Here are the lineup of activities for Dia de Cesar.


Here are the three commemorative graphic portraits that I designed which was unveiled during the flag-raising ceremony on November 10 at Plaza Rizal fronting the City Hall.


Carisma. Cesar Climaco is know for his eccentricity. A very energetic and humorous person, he charmed every person in front of him. Children would call him Lolo Cesar with a bag of candies in his arms. He will let the kids sing "Ay si Cesear" in the tune of "Oh my darling, Clementine" before he gives away his candy. Cesar's iconic vintage motorcycle is his favorite mode of transportation. If you notice, i placed some candies in the design.


Coraje. A very brave man Cesar is. He is very hands on in everything he do. He is a real life super hero as he is also a volunteer fireman. He also showed courage when he opposed the Marcos dictatorship and vowed not to cut his hair until democracy is achieved. Unfortunately, his long white hair remained until his last day, when he was assasinated on November 14, 1984. Aside from the crimson palette which symbolize his courage, I also placed some lions which reminded me of his intense presence especially when he express his strong views and opinions in public.


Compasión. Cesar is a person with a pure heart. His love to his constituents know no age, gender or religion.  In this final portrait, we see him in his candid moments, assisting to his grandson and an elderly who is emotional in his presence. I also placed a hand carrying a seedling which symbolize his compassion towards nature and humankind. Truly, Cesar Climaco is a man of Charisma, Courage and Compassion.

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 Thanks to Sir Jojo Yap-Aizon and Mark Saavedra for helping me gather the images for the portraits.