Bienvenidos!

That is the only Chavacano word I know and I learned it during our weekend stay in Zamboanga. But I have not forgotten the taste of Curacha and Zamboanga White (a fruit shake with lychee and coconut milk that I always make sure to have whenever I am in Zambo), and of course the aligue rice which is impossible to forget.

Beyond the colorful taste of their food is their rich cultural heritage which is very evident in their buildings, infrastructure, traditions, and the airport itself which gives Zamboanga colorful and artistic vibes.

If you have not been to the Zamboanga airport, it is very unique in its design, but it is small considering the growing number of tourists visiting this historic place. Actually, last weekend despite his very hectic schedule as the new chief of transportation, Secretary Vince Dizon came to Zamboanga to inspect its airport and seaports, and turn over one of the community ports.

Beyond the colorful taste of their food is their rich cultural heritage which is very evident in their buildings, infrastructure, traditions, and the airport itself which gives Zamboanga colorful and artistic vibes.

I don’t know if you are familiar with Zamboanga but it has many community ports as told to me by director Marvin Segura, the chief of staff of House Majority Leader Representative Mannix Dalipe of the 2nd District of Zamboanga City.

Zamboanga is home to numerous community ports that serve as lifelines for its residents. From harvesting seaweed, traveling to ensure their food and livelihood, transporting goods and people, Zamboangueños rely on community ports.

Take for example the beautiful island of Tigtabon which has more or less 5,000 residents and is 30 to 45 minutes from the Zamboanga port of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). The people on Tigtabon earn their living through seaweed farming and fishing, hence the great need for a community port.

For decades, it was a challenge for residents to transport their harvests to the mainland, facing logistical and transportation struggles while relying on makeshift docks threatened by the giant waves of the sea.

Last week, the new Tigtabon community port — a joint project of the Department of Transportation under Secretary Dizon, the Zamboanga City government under Mayor John Dalipe, with help from Representative Dalipe and the expertise of the PPA under General Manager Jay Santiago — was turned over to the local government and its people.

The project, valued at over P29.31 million, includes a reinforced concrete pier, a reclamation and back-up area, and a waiting shed.

More than just the physical structure, it is a testament to the dedication of the national and local governments in support of the community’s livelihood that is rooted in the bounty of the sea. It also serves to spark economic growth and opportunity in the area. From the struggle to transport goods and seaweeds, the door of convenience has been opened from the island to the mainland.

The community port heralds the government’s resolve to nurture local communities and serves as a reminder of what is possible when a culture is honored and development is comprehensive. While the PPA oversees the development of ports even in remote areas, the commitment of the local government units fulfills the promise that no community will be left behind.

Zamboanga is an island brimming with potential. It needs to be supported and sustained with infrastructure development hand in hand with its cultural and economic development.

The Tigtabon community port is a testament to progress and tradition co-existing together. We can learn from the colorful stories of Zamboanga — that culture should not be lost in the wake of development. Instead, it’s the way to grow and create new opportunities for the benefit of the people.

After all, we are all in the same boat. Muchas gracias, Zamboanga, till we meet again!