On 30 January 2020, the Philippine Department of Health reported the first case of COVID-19 in the country with a 38-year-old female Chinese national. On 7 March, the first local transmission of COVID-19 was confirmed. Several measures were imposed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the Philippines, including bans on travel to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea. On March 7, 2020, the Department of Health (DOH) raised its "Code Red Sub-Level 1," with a recommendation to the President of the Philippines to impose a "public health emergency" authorizing the DOH to mobilize resources for the procurement of safety gear and the imposition of preventive quarantine measures.

On March 9, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation No. 922, declaring the country under a state of public health emergency. On March 12, President Duterte declared "Code Red Sub-Level 2," issuing a partial lockdown on Metro Manila and extending the metropolis' class suspensions up to April 12, to prevent a nationwide spread of COVID-19. The City Government of Zamboanga has formed various task groups to ensure preparedness in all levels of response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).



The local government closed the entry points on March 17, 2020, Tuesday, and implemented strict guidelines on the community quarantine. On the same night Mayor Climaco addressed the people of Zamboanga once again to declare an enhanced community quarantine due to the increasing PUMs and PUIs. To avoid the pandemic from happening in Zamboanga, the government assumed that COVID-19 has already infiltrated the city and thus preventive measures were strictly imposed.



On March 24, at 7PM, while an advisory was aired in TV, radio and social media, the authorities received the saddest news, and Mayor Beng immediately called a press conference 2 hours after. At 10PM, Mayor Climaco went live in Facebook to announce the first positive case of COVID-19 in the city. Watch the announcement here:



As of March 26, 2020, the City Health Office, through the Zamboanga Task Force COVID-19 released this map of barangays with PUMs and PUIs.


Barangays with Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) in Zamboanga City as of March 25, 2020 [Source City Health Office]


Barangays with Persons Under Monitoring (PUMs) in Zamboanga City as of March 25, 2020 [Source City Health Office]

For inquiries and emergencies, please contact the Zamboanga Task Force COVID-19 Risk Communications Team Upgraded Communications Center 24/7 Hotline Numbers:

Globe Hotlines:
0975-073-0150
0975-073-0151
0975-073-7221

Smart Hotlines:
0998-175-8705
0998-175-8709
0938-300-4110
0938-300-4007
0938-300-4004

PLDT Hotlines:
975-3800
975-3801

ZCDRRMO:
955-9601

Health Lines:
0966-175-4298
975-3802

#COVIDreadyZambo #COVID19PH



For news and updates follow the official social media accounts:
Facebook: Beng Climaco | City Government of Zamboanga
Instagram: @zambocitygovt
Twitter: @zambocitygovt
Youtube: Zamboanga City Official

Executive Order No. BC 250-2017
"An act directing the execution of an experimental traffic scheme to decongest traffic at the City's Central Business District in the City of Zamboanga"

The experimental traffic scheme designating one-way streets, no right turn and no left turn on certain roads within the -kilometer radius of the city, pursuant to EO 250, will have its dry run starting Monday, March 20. Implementation will be from 7am to 8pm, Mondays to Fridays excluding holidays. Click on the map for full view.


Complete map of Experimental Traffic Scheme for One-Way Streets


Zone II


Zone I


Baliwasan


West Coast


Zone III / Camino Nuevo


Zone III


Zone IV

The Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is coming soon! If you are coming in our wonderful city during the festival, here's a short list of things you must do while you're here. Your visit in Zamboanga City will surely be fun-filled and packed with fun and adventure with all of these spots to visit, food to eat and things to do. Here are my top suggestions for you when you come here in October 1-12 for Fiesta Pilar.

Regatta de Zamboanga (2014)

1. Wake up early in October 9, Sunday and proceed to R.T. Lim Boulevard and witness the festival's most unique event, the race of colorful Vinta of the Badjaos. The event is dubbed as Regatta de Zamboanga. Take pictures with the sea butterflies as they gather in this shore for only once a year.

2. Visit the Yakan Village at Upper Calarian to see first-hand the Yakan weavers create intricate patterns in traditional weaving method which has been passed from generations. Take home some table runners or coin purses for pasalubong.

3. Aside from Badjaos and Yakans, have a taste of culture of the Tausug tribe. Head to Dennis Cafe at Baliwasan and try their authentic Tausug delicacies such as Tiula Itum, Pianggang, Sulu Coffee, Satti and more.

4. Talking about Satti, also try the famous satti of Jimmy's at Pilar Street or Andy's at Tetuan. If you haven't tried this special spicy delicacy, your visit to Zambo is never complete.

5. In the evening of Oct. 9, look for a position outside the streets from San Jose Road to Paseo del Mar and witness the spectacular Parade of Lights. Now on its second year, this unique parade showcases landmarks and symbols of the city in huge illuminated floats. Parade starts at 6pm.

Butterfly catchers of the Unique Motor Center's entry "Whimsical Butterfly Garden" for the #ZamboHermosaFest Parade of Lights Float Competition #ILoveZamboangaCity #butterfly #ZoomInZamboanga

A photo posted by Ced Zabala 👑 (@cedzabala) on Oct 9, 2015 at 9:25am PDT

6. Love to hear the Spanish creole language, Chavacano? Watch the live competition of Original Chavacano love songs on Oct 5, 7PM, and Noche de Bailes y Canciones on Oct 6, 7PM, both happening at the Paseo del Mar Stage.

7. Before watching the nightly shows in Paseo del Mar, chill and watch the sun as it sets at the esplanade area while tasting the local version of halo-halo called Knicker Bocker. It's a must-try!

Zambo's gastronomic delicacies!

8. Party with Manila DJ's at the night-life capital of Zamboanga, Paseo del Jardin a.k.a Butterfly Garden, on October 10, 7pm. Danza La Vida is the biggest life dance party of Hermosa Festival, and it's for free!

At the DJ's booth with @marcmarasigan and @iamdjnina during #DanzaLaVida #ZamboHermosaFest. So lucky! 👍🎧🎶💃

A photo posted by Ced Zabala 👑 (@cedzabala) on Oct 12, 2015 at 12:21am PDT

9. Shop for souvenirs at Plaza del Pilar or at the Canelar Barter Trade for imported but affordable goodies. Take home some Malaysian coffee, chocolates or Indonesian batiks, malong and sarongs.

10. Before going back home, make sure you have visited the Fort Pilar, lit some candles and offered your prayers. After all it's the reason why we are celebrating the festival.. to give thanks to God for all the wonderful places and things He has given us.



Hope you check out all the things to-do here to maximize your Hermosa Festival experience. I also made a festival map to serve as your guide to the places and activities during the fiesta. You can click and save the hi-res format and print for your reference. What are you waiting for? Vamos a Zamboanga!


Click here for full interactive view orhere to download high-res image..
SaveSave

The City of Zamboanga will celebrate the 9th Dia de Sen. Roseller T. Lim Monday, February 9, highlighting the 100th birth anniversary of Roseller Lim, Zamboanga’s first and only Senator to date, and the legacy of greatness he left behind.

In recognition of his contributions to the history of the City and the country, the City Government has prepared a number of commemorative activities to honor one of the City’s illustrious sons.

With the theme “Celebrating a Century Legacy of Greatness and Service”, the Dia de Roseller will kick off with the ribbon-cutting ceremonies unveiling the Installation Art at Plaza Pershing at 7:30 AM. This will be followed by flag raising ceremony at Plaza Rizal and the viewing of the RT Lim Memorabilia Exhibit at the City Hall at 8:30 AM.






Photos provided by El Museo de Zamboanga
Design and Layout by Ced Zabala