10/09/2026
MARAMING SALAMAT, MAYOR Khymer Olaso! ๐โค๏ธ
The Barangay Escopa IV Council would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hon. Mayor Khymer Adan T. Olaso, City Mayor of Zamboanga, for the exceptionally warm welcome and generous hospitality extended to our council during our visit to the beautiful and historic Zamboanga City.
From the moment we arrived, we truly felt the warmth and kindness of Zamboanga. Mayor Olaso went above and beyond by providing us with a service vehicle/coaster throughout our stay, making our movements convenient and allowing us to maximize our time for learning, observation, and fellowship.
We are also deeply grateful for the tour guide provided to our group, who helped us better appreciate the history, culture, people, and unique identity of Zamboanga City. Through the stories and experiences shared with us, our visit became more than just sightseeingโit became an opportunity to understand how a city preserves its heritage while continuing to develop and serve its people.
Most importantly, our visit to Zamboanga City was anchored on one primary objective: to learn from the city's best practices in governance, public service, community development, tourism, culture, and local administration. As public servants, we believe that continuous learning and sharing of successful practices between local government units can help us discover new ideas that we can adapt and implement for the benefit of our own community in Barangay Escopa IV, Quezon City.
๐ด LEARNING FROM ZAMBOANGA
Our experiences around the city gave us valuable insights into the different strengths and opportunities that Zamboanga has cultivated:
๐๏ธ Once Islas / 11 Islands
The 11-island eco-cultural tourism destination showcased how natural resources, environmental protection, tourism, and local communities can work together. The islands are known for their pristine beaches, marine ecosystems, and cultural communities, providing an example of how tourism can also create opportunities for local livelihood while protecting the environment.
๐ธ Great Santa Cruz Island โ The Pink Island
Our experience of the famous Pink Island highlighted Zamboanga's ability to transform a unique natural resource into a tourism destination while promoting environmental appreciation. Its distinctive pinkish sand comes from the mixture of white sand and finely crushed red coral.
๐ฐ Fort Pilar
Visiting Fort Pilar allowed us to step into centuries of Zamboanga's history. Construction of the fort began on June 23, 1635, a date that is closely associated with the founding of Zamboanga. Today, Fort Pilar is also home to the National Museum of the Philippines โ Zamboanga, preserving important historical, cultural, and natural heritage.
๐๏ธ Barter Trade
The historic tradition of barter reflects Zamboanga's long-standing role as a crossroads of cultures and commerce. The city's history records barter and exchange among different communities in the region dating back centuries. It gave us a glimpse into how trade, culture, and entrepreneurship have shaped the identity of Zamboanga.
โ๏ธ Boy Scouts of the Philippines
Our visit and exposure to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines also gave us an appreciation for the importance of youth development, leadership formation, discipline, service, and community participationโvalues that are equally important in building stronger and more resilient communities.
๐๏ธ Local Museums and Heritage Sites
Exploring Zamboanga's museums and heritage sites allowed us to understand the city's diverse cultural identity, including the heritage of the Subanon, Sama, Yakan, Tausug, and other communities. The National Museum in Fort Pilar, for example, features exhibitions highlighting the region's marine life, culture, and historical artifacts.
And of course, no visit to Zamboanga would be complete without experiencing its rich local cuisine! โค๏ธ
๐ฝ๏ธ A very special thank you to Mayor Olaso for treating our delegation to a sumptuous lunch at Alavar Seafood Restaurant, where we had the opportunity to taste some of Zamboanga's iconic flavorsโmost especially the famous Curacha with Alavar sauce and the refreshing Knickerbocker dessert.
The experience gave us not only a taste of Zamboanga's food, but also a deeper appreciation of how local cuisine can become part of a city's identity and tourism experience. Curacha is one of the city's celebrated seafood specialties, while Knickerbocker is a well-known local fruit dessert.
๐ค LEARNING, SHARING, AND SERVING
Our visit reminded us that good governance is not only about policies and programsโit is also about people, partnerships, culture, innovation, and a genuine commitment to public service.
We are grateful for the opportunity to see, experience, and learn from the practices of Zamboanga City. We hope to bring home these lessons and translate them into meaningful ideas and initiatives that can contribute to the continued improvement of Barangay Escopa IV.
