Zamboanga City paid tribute to a pioneering figure in its history as it celebrated the 104th birth anniversary of the late Mayor Maria Clara “Ma’am Caling” Lorenzo Lobregat on Saturday, April 26. Dubbed “Dia de Ma’am Caling,” the commemorative event honored the life, leadership, and legacy of the city’s first female mayor, whose dedication and courage left an indelible mark on Zamboanga.
The day’s activities began with a commemorative mass at the Holy Trinity Parish in Pasonanca at 4:00 PM, drawing a solemn crowd of city officials, security sector representatives, members of the Lobregat family, and citizens from various sectors. Following the mass, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Jardin de Maria Clara in the Butterfly Garden of Pasonanca Park, a serene space dedicated to the memory of Ma’am Caling.
In a message delivered by Assistant City Planning and Development Coordinator Jessie Christopher Lapinid on behalf of Mayor John Dalipe, the city expressed its enduring gratitude for Ma’am Caling’s unwavering service and compassion. Her leadership from July 1, 1998, until her passing on January 2, 2004, was remembered with deep admiration, particularly her courage during the Cabatangan crisis in 2001, when she defended the city’s stability amidst unrest.
The highlight of the event was the conferment of the “Outstanding Women Awards,” a recognition program initiated jointly by the City Government and the Rotary Club of Zamboanga-East. This program seeks to honor women who embody the traits that Ma’am Caling was known for: strength, kindness, and empowerment.
This year’s awardees included:
- Jocelyn Ybañez for the Woman Entrepreneur Award,
- Irene Covarrubias-Sabban for the Woman of Leadership Award,
- Huraida Malik for the Woman of Community Service Award, and
- PTCOL. Helen Galvez for the Woman of Courage Award.
The most prestigious honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was bestowed upon Dr. Ma. Carla Ochotorena, President of Western Mindanao State University, for her remarkable contributions to education and community development. Dr. Nursia Barjose, WMSU Vice President, received the award on her behalf. Each awardee received a plaque of recognition and a cash incentive of P10,000.
The Dia de Ma’am Caling is an annual tradition pursuant to Ordinance No. 278, enacted in 2006. It stands as a living tribute to a woman who not only broke barriers as Zamboanga’s first woman mayor but also inspired generations through her service and steadfastness.
Born on April 26, 1921, Ma’am Caling’s illustrious career began when she was elected as the city’s delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention. She later served three full terms as a member of the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1998, before being elected as Zamboanga City’s mayor in 1998. Her leadership, particularly during critical moments like the Cabatangan siege, showcased her deep commitment to the people’s welfare and the city’s autonomy.
Saturday’s commemoration brought together officials like City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian, Assistant City Agriculturist Erwin Kulayan, Rotary Club of Zamboanga-East President Alawi Wong, Zamboanga City Police Office Director PCOL. Fidel Fortaleza, and many others from the government, non-government organizations, private institutions, and academia — all unified in remembering and celebrating a woman whose legacy continues to inspire.
The life of Maria Clara Lobregat is a testament to the power of strength and service. As Zamboanga remembers Ma’am Caling, it also renews its commitment to the values she lived by — resilience, compassion, and a tireless love for the community she served so well.