- CHERYL G. CRUZ
Bacolod City and Negros Occidental celebrated the 125th Philippine Independence Day June 12 with wreath-laying ceremonies and programs to honor war veterans and modern-day heroes.
“Today marks a significant moment in the history of the Philippines as we celebrate our 125th Independence Day. It’s a day to remember the bravery and sacrifices of our ancestors who fought for our freedom,” Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Benitez said in a post. “May this occasion be a reminder of the importance of working together towards a better and brighter future for our beloved country and city.”
Benitez led the program at the public plaza and a wreath-laying at the Monument of Unknown Soldier, with Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, other city officials and employees, veterans, boy scouts, police, military, Department of Education personnel, and concerned agencies.
Over at the Capitol Park and Lagoon in Bacolod, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the commemoration ceremony with Board Members Pal Guanzon and Valentino Miguel Alonso, Col. Eufracio Joel Malig Jr., deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, P/Col. Leo Pamittan, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, DepEd NegOcc schools division superintendent Anthony Liobet, Sheila Tondo of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, and department heads and employees, among others.
Lacson said “today’s celebration is a demonstration that the nation’s strength lies in the capacity to come together as one people, regardless of backgrounds or beliefs, to work for a common vision of a prosperous, equitable, and inclusive Philippines, free from poverty, inequality, corruption, environmental destruction, and all forms of oppression.
“On this historic day, let us also thank all the men and women who serve our country with dedication and selflessness — the troops, healthcare workers, teachers, public servants, and all those who contribute to the advancement of our society,” he stressed.
The governor urged Negrenses and Filipinos to work together to create a society in which no Filipino is left behind and that every individual has the freedom, due to equal opportunities, to achieve personal advancement and contribute to the progress of the country.
“Let us cultivate a culture of invention, creativity, and entrepreneurship to drive our nation forward, as our portion to the independence handed down to us by our forefathers,” Lacson said in a Capitol press release.
In Cadiz, a “Kalayaan Walk” kicked off the observance, and brought together city officials, employees, and local and national line agency personnel.
Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. also led the recognition ceremony for the veterans, with plaques of appreciation given to family members of the veterans, and cash gifts received by the widows, the city said.
A special blessing of the Veteran’s Wall, wreath-laying ceremony, and the releasing of doves were some of the highlights of the Independence Day celebration in Cadiz.
Other local government units in the province also held respective activities to celebrate the red-letter day./CGC
