The Marbella Town Hall has inaugurated a street in San Pedro Alcántara in honour of José Guerra Villalobos, recognised for his charitable work and commitment to the municipality.
The municipality of Marbella has sought to acknowledge the legacy of one of its most dedicated figures in social aid. José Guerra Villalobos now has a street named after him in San Pedro Alcántara, a gesture with which the Town Hall recognises over four decades of dedication to the most vulnerable groups.
The inauguration ceremony, held this Thursday, brought together family, friends, institutional representatives, social groups, and numerous neighbours who did not want to miss the tribute. The Mayor of Marbella, Ángeles Muñoz, presided over the event and highlighted the figure of the honoree.
During her speech, the mayor emphasised the importance of “recognising those who have dedicated a good part of their lives to helping others” and argued that such distinctions serve to ensure that future generations learn about people who have made solidarity their way of life. “Streets also tell the story of a town and convey the values we want to preserve,” she added.
Muñoz also wanted to highlight Guerra Villalobos' dual role: on one hand, his work in preventing drug addiction and supporting those affected by HIV; on the other, his contribution to the economic development of the locality at the helm of Guerra Motor, a company that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
The honoree himself took the floor to express his gratitude for the distinction, visibly moved. He stated that he receives this recognition “with immense emotion and gratitude” and took the opportunity to recall some of the experiences that have marked his career. He also wanted to send a clear message about the future: “to continue working on prevention and supporting families affected by addiction.”
On behalf of the family, his son David Guerra expressed the pride of all his loved ones. “My father has shown throughout his life that loving his town means working for it every day and helping people without expecting anything in return,” he emphasised before those present.
One of the most emotional moments of the event came from psychologist Antonio Jesús Sanz Hiraldo, a personal friend of the honoree, who recounted his journey. He recalled that in 1983 Guerra Villalobos began a pioneering effort in caring for people with drug addiction problems, when there were hardly any specialised resources in the province.
The psychologist detailed that the honoree promoted the creation of the Parents Against Drugs Association, one of the first multidisciplinary centres in the province; launched the first methadone programme in San Pedro Alcántara in collaboration with the Andalusian Health Service, and later participated in the creation of Concordia Antisida and the therapeutic community Hacienda de Toros, entities that have become benchmarks in comprehensive care for people with addictions and those affected by HIV.
The inauguration of this street represents a permanent recognition of a figure who has united social activism and the business fabric of the municipality. For the residents of San Pedro Alcántara, the name of José Guerra Villalobos is now inscribed in the local street directory, a daily reminder of the value of solidarity and commitment to the community.
With this act, Marbella reinforces its commitment to highlighting those who have worked silently for the well-being of others. The distinction also comes at a time when addiction prevention remains a challenge for Andalusian municipalities, and Guerra Villalobos' example becomes a reference for new generations.
The new street joins other municipal initiatives aimed at preserving the memory of individuals who have contributed to the social and economic development of the locality. With this tribute, the Marbella Town Hall not only recognises a career but also sends a message about the values it wishes to convey to its citizens.
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