How can we make Zamboanga City more liveable? Leaders share their thoughts

MANILA, Philippines – What are urgent issues in Zamboanga City that you wish would be addressed? What would you like to see in Asia’s Latin City?

More than 70 Zamboangueños gathered at Rappler’s #MakeZamboangaLiveable public forum on September 6, at Hall B, Ateneo de Zamboanga, to talk about the issues that matter most to them, and what local officials are doing about these.

The public forum, featuring panel discussions with community leaders and Zamboanga City officials, offered an avenue for Zamboangueños to air out their concerns, directly engage with and be heard by their local government.

The following served as panelists during the forum:

• Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso
• Vice Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco
• Councilor Rey Beyona Bayoging
• Councilor Kim Villaflores
• Yoshi Rodriguez – member, Sangguniang Kabataan Zamboanga City Federation
• Atty. Carl Andrew Rubio – executive vice president and former president, Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Emir Epino – director, Ateneo Center for Environment and Sustainability
• Espie Hupida – executive director, Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance

The forum was part of Rappler’s Zamboanga stop for their civic empowerment roadshow dubbed “#AmbagNatin: Engage for Change.” Aside from the forum, Rappler also held workshops to train 11 student journalists and communication students in journalism for community-building. Those trained will become civic engagement volunteers with Rappler called Movers, and will make the pioneering hub for Rappler volunteers in Zamboanga City. As part of their training, these Zamboanga City Movers covered the public forum.

Catch what was discussed during the public forum here on Thursday, September 11, 4 pm. You can also check out the Zamboanga City Movers’ coverage of the public forum in the liveable cities chat room on the Rappler app.

The Zamboanga City leg of the roadshow was organized by Rappler, in partnership with Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Now You Know. It was also sponsored by Mang Inasal. – Rappler.com