ZAMBOANGA CITY — In a determined push for cleanliness, discipline, and community engagement, newly-installed Mayor Khymer Olaso kicked off his administration’s flagship program, Limpio Ciudad, with an early morning inspection and cleanup drive at the main public market in Zone II on Tuesday, July 1 — his second day in office.
Mayor Olaso personally led the initiative, walking through market aisles, inspecting stalls, and engaging with vendors. He called on the public to take part in maintaining the city’s cleanliness, especially in vital public spaces like the market.
“As your new city mayor, I am asking you to take good care of our public market. Let us help one another,” said Mayor Olaso in a mix of English and Chavacano, reinforcing his call for collective responsibility.
The Limpio Ciudad campaign aims to revitalize public spaces, enforce discipline, and promote environmental stewardship through active collaboration between the local government and community members. Mayor Olaso emphasized that the initiative is intended to have long-term impacts — including better public health, enhanced tourism appeal, and improved overall welfare for Zamboangueños.
The mayor also announced the deployment of designated city personnel to regularly monitor and sustain cleanliness, ensuring that discipline and order are consistently upheld across public areas.
Joining Mayor Olaso in the cleanup were key city officials and department representatives, including Executive Assistant IV and former mayor Celso Lobregat, City Administrator and former councilor Percival Ramos, and personnel from the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), City General Services Office (CGSO), Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR), City Administrator’s Office, and Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ZCDRRMO), along with several community volunteers.
The flushing and sanitation of the public market continued until late Tuesday evening, in line with Mayor Olaso’s directive to ensure the area was thoroughly cleaned.
Through Limpio Ciudad, Mayor Olaso is setting the tone for a governance style rooted in proactive leadership, civic responsibility, and inclusive participation — one that he hopes will bring lasting transformation to Zamboanga City.