On Independence Day: Cebu leaders honor heroes’ legacy

CEBU, Philippines — A giant Philippine flag stretched across the grounds of the Cebu Provincial Capitol greeted government officials and employees as the province joined the nation in commemorating the 128th Independence Day on June 12.

The early morning observance transformed the Capitol grounds into a sea of red, white, blue, and yellow as provincial officials gathered to honor the country's struggle for freedom and the sacrifices of Filipino heroes.

Leading the celebration was Governor Pamela Baricuatro, who used the occasion to reflect on the legacy of national heroes and the challenges of public service.

In her message, Baricuatro paid tribute to Datu Lapulapu, describing the Mactan chieftain as a continuing source of inspiration not only for Cebuanos but for Filipinos across generations.

The governor shared a personal reflection, saying she often looks at the statue of Datu Lapulapu from the People's Gallery outside her office, particularly during difficult moments in her work as governor.

"There are days when the responsibilities of leadership feel especially heavy, and when the noise of politics threatens to drown out our work that truly matters," Baricuatro said.

She said seeing the statue reminds her that courage is not the absence of difficulties, but the decision to remain steadfast despite challenges.

"Every time I see that statue standing tall, I am reminded that courage is choosing to stand firm despite them. It reminds me that if our heroes faced far greater challenges for the sake of our people, then surely, we can face our own with faith, determination, and love for Cebu," she said.

Baricuatro also used the occasion to call for unity, saying leadership should focus on bringing people together rather than creating divisions.

"Today, perhaps one of the greatest ways we can honor our heroes is setting aside politics that divides communities and distracts us from progress," she said.

The governor added that Cebuanos deserve leadership that unites rather than separates, listens rather than attacks, and focuses on solutions instead of political noise.

She likewise pledged to continue working so that the freedom won by the country's heroes would translate into better opportunities and improved lives for Cebuano families.

"May the spirit of Datu Lapulapu remind us that true strength is found not only in courage, but also in unity," Baricuatro said as she urged Cebuanos to embody resilience, compassion, and cooperation.

Also present during the Independence Day observance were members of the Provincial Board, department heads, Capitol employees, and members of the governor's executive team.

Among the board members in attendance were Malcolm Sanchez, Olin Seno, Alfie Ouano, Neneth Reluya, Nelson Mondigo, Antonio Bacaltos, Julius Anthony Corominas, Stanley Caminero, and Celestino Martinez III.

In a separate message, Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco emphasized that freedom is not only a legacy inherited from the past but a responsibility that must be protected and strengthened every day.

"Samtang atong gisaulog ang ika-128 nga Adlaw sa Kagawasan sa Pilipinas, hinaut nga magpabilin nga buhi sa atong kasingkasing ang ilang sakripisyo ug gugma sa nasud. Tungod kanila, gawasnon kita karon; tungod kanato, magpadayon ang maayong kaugmaon sa sunod nga mga henerasyon," Soco said.

He said the sacrifices and love of the nation's heroes should continue to inspire Filipinos as they work toward a better future for the next generations.

In Mandaue City, Mayor Thadeo Jovito Ouano led the observance through a flag-raising ceremony and a ceremonial flower offering attended by city officials, government employees, uniformed personnel, and representatives from various national agencies.

In his message, Ouano emphasized that nation-building remains a continuing responsibility shared by every Filipino.

“As One Mandaue, let us continue working hand in hand toward a city that is progressive, inclusive, resilient, and prepared for the future,” he said.

The mayor highlighted that freedom comes with responsibility and should translate into better lives for residents through responsive governance and economic opportunities.

“In Mandaue City, freedom comes with responsibility. It gives us the opportunity to build a city where families can live better lives, where businesses can prosper, and where government remains responsive, accessible, and accountable to those it serves,” Ouano said.

He added that genuine progress is not measured solely by infrastructure projects but by improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.

“Para nako, ang tinuod nga kalamboan dili lamang makita sa mga bag-ong building o proyekto. Makita kini kung mas daghan ang adunay trabaho, kung mas sayon ang pag-access sa serbisyo sa gobyerno, ug kung mas maayo ang kalidad sa kinabuhi sa matag pamilya,” said Ouano.

Ouano also reminded residents that the struggle for nation-building did not end with the declaration of independence.

“The work of nation-building did not end when our independence was declared. It continues every day in our communities, in our workplaces, and in the way we serve and care for one another,” he said.

As part of the celebration, city officials and employees offered flowers in tribute to the heroes who fought for the country’s freedom.

A traditional 21-gun salute was also conducted, while cultural presentations by the Mandaue City Cultural Dance Troupe and Cubacub Martial Arts Club depicted significant moments in Philippine history and highlighted the courage and sacrifices of Filipino heroes.

Joining Ouano in the ceremony were Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede, members of the City Council, barangay officials, representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), and members of the private sector.

Meanwhile, in Lapu-Lapu City, officials and residents gathered at the Liberty Shrine in Barangay Mactan to commemorate the country’s 128th Independence Day through a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony.

Mayor Cindi King-Chan, Vice Mayor Celedonio Sitoy, and Congressman Junard Chan led the observance together with City Hall employees, uniformed personnel, barangay officials, and other stakeholders.

The program featured the reading of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and a tribute to Datu Lapulapu’s victory over the forces of Ferdinand Magellan during the Battle of Mactan in 1521.

In her message, King-Chan highlighted Mactan’s significance in Philippine history, describing it as the birthplace of Filipino resistance against foreign domination.

“On this very shore, more than 500 years ago, Datu Lapulapu and his warriors established a fundamental truth: that the people of these islands possessed an inherent dignity and an unwavering determination to remain free,” she said.

The mayor added that the spirit of freedom and resilience demonstrated by Lapulapu continues to inspire Filipinos today.

For his part, Chan urged Oponganons to uphold the values of unity and service, saying patriotism is reflected in everyday actions that strengthen communities, promote good governance, and improve the lives of citizens.

Sitoy likewise called on residents to remember the sacrifices of the country’s heroes and continue contributing to nation-building as the country celebrates another year of independence. (CEBU NEWS)