CITY OF MALOLOS – “Freedom is not only a privilege but a responsibility to fight for it. We, as Filipinos in the new generation, have responsibilities to continue the fight for freedom.”
This was the message of House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez during the commemoration of the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence held at Barasoain Church in this city on Wednesday (June 12).
The House Speaker added that it is not only a battle against the conquerors, but also against poverty, corruption, and lack of justice.
“Ang araw na ito ay hindi lamang pagbabalik-tanaw sa ating makulay na kasaysayan. Pagkakataon din ito para tayo ay magkaisa sa pagbuo ng isang mas maunlad at makatarungang lipunan,” Romualdez said.
On the other hand, Governor Daniel R. Fernando believed that freedom is affiliated with a responsibility for the society we live in.
“Sa ating makabagong panahon, ipagpatuloy natin ang labang kanilang nasimulan. Sikapin nating itaguyod ang tunay na kalayaan- kalayaan sa gutom at kahirapan, kalayaan mula sa iba’t ibang uri ng pagmamalupit at karahasan, at kalayaan mula sa kamangmangan at baluktot na kaisipan,” the governor said.
This year’s Indepence Day celebration is anchored on the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan” and was made possible by the joint efforts of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Provincial Government of Bulacan, and the City Government of Malolos.
A flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying were held at the monument of Emilio Aguinaldo at the patio of the historical Barasoain Church led by Speaker Romualdez, and Gov. Fernando.
Aside from Romualdez and Fernando, other officials who witnessed the event were Vice Gov. Alexis Castro, Brig. Gen. Jose S. Hidalgo Jr, PRO3 regional director, Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad, Vice Mayor Miguel Alberto Tengco Bautista, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Gina Batuhan and Bishop Dennis Villarojo. (UnliNews Online)
