LGU leaders urge constituents: Be patriotic, Nationalistic

CEBU, Philippines — More to its pomp and festivity, celebrating Philippine Independence is a time for reflection and realization, bringing to every Filipino’s consciousness the value of patriotism, nationalism, heroism, so said Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama.

The Cebu City government had been criticized earlier for the lavish budget it has set aside for its 125th Philippine Independence Day celebration.

Rama though has apologized for it but emphasized he, too, is sensitive to the opinion of others, which paved the way for the slashing of the P10.6 million original budget into just about P5 million.

While Rama thanked those who “bashed” the city government, he said there were those who thought the budget was all worth it after they witnessed the Baranggayan sa Sugbo alone.

But more to the lavish celebration, Rama emphasized that they are doing a series of activities to bring to the Cebuanos' consciousness a sense of patriotism, nationalism, and heroism.

“This is reliving the past. Mao ra ni siyay atong ihatag sa atong mga anak. Treasure the meaning of independence. There may be many situations and issues, but if we do not relive 125 years ago, where will we be now? That’s why every Independence Day is about reliving, re-awaking –bringing to consciousness patriotism, nationalism, heroism and most of all bringing God above,” Rama told The FREEMAN.

The mayor had earlier directed different departments to eradicate vandalism, garbage, and mendicants on the streets by June 12, yet there are still some of them that can be seen.

Rama, however, said it is a continuing process and that he is set to lay down policy direction to be able to achieve their goals.

“Ayaw gyud ninyo kalimti…Viscom, PNP, BFP…Sustain and maintain the gains of Singapore-like Cebu City. Ang siyam ka tuig, himuong tulo ka tuig,” Rama said in in speech.

This can be done, he said, through “collaboration, cooperation, coordination and co-optation.”

“Kung kinsay mokuyog nako, kuyog mo. Independent, meaning, ipatigbabaw ang gikinahanglan sa kinabag-an nga katawhan sa syudad sa Sugbo. Husto na ang pulitika. Politics will pass, friendship should last, family ties forever. We only live once,” Rama said.

And on the 125th Independence, Rama hopes the city will be able to experience “kagawasan sa baha, basura, sunog, landslide, krimen, kadaot, kagubot, kalisdan, kalamidad, kapobrihon, korapsyon, kahugay, kabaho, kahiwi ug kabati.”

To be able to achieve this, the mayor reminded everyone of what Msgr. Roberto Alesna said during the mass, to avoid “greed, ambition, envy, pride, and anger” moving forward.

Mandaue City

In Mandaue City, Mayor Jonas Cortes, in his message, asked his constituents to take a moment to commemorate the sacrifices and bravery of our ancestors who paved the way for the liberties we cherish today.

“Our long-fought independence is indeed more than just a gift. This is also a challenge to all — to live our lives as a free man, unbound to anything and yet still choose to be of service to others.  With great honor, pride and belief our city has for every Mandauehanons, Mandaue City is bound to become even more a loving home to many and an active city to all its constituents,” Cortes said.

“Let's live our daily lives doing the things that we are passionate about while trying to uplift the lives of others. With creativity and innovation, we'll always find something to do to contribute to the greater good. Let us come together as one community united in our diversity and inspired by our shared history,” he added.

Lapu-Lapu City

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, for his part, also urged his constituents to remain united to “protect our freedom that we enjoy today,” as the foundation of freedom lies in the unity of everyone.

“Dili gayud kita maka-abante sa umaabot kon dili kita molingi sa nangagi kay ang mga nahitabo sa atong kasaysayan maoy nihatag nato og mga leksyon nga makatabang kanato sa paghulma sa atong nasud karon,” Chan said.

Minglanilla

Minglanilla Mayor Rajiv Enad, in his message during the celebration, said that as Minglanilla confidently marches forward into the future, they will do well to also look into the past – the struggles and victories of our ancestors which led them to where they are today, living in a free, sovereign, and democratic country.

“Ang pag-isa sa atong bandila, unfortunately, has become a regular occurrence and a routinary activity that sometimes or most of the times, we take it for granted. But every time we see the flag raised, we should be reminded nga simbolo na siya sa mga tawo nga nihatag sa ilang kinabuhi, dugo ug singot para makab-ot nato atong kagawasan sa colonial rule,” Enad said.

Enad also urged his constituents for them to continue to work under one Abante administration, united under the vision that they pursue and the aspiration that they represent, so that together they will all be free to reach for the dream of a better and brighter Minglanilla.

Talisay City

In his Facebook post, Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas said “Philippine Independence Day is a day for us to honor the courage bravery of our heroes who fought relentlessly for our liberty. Today, let us stand proud, grateful, and united as we celebrate our day of Independence. Mabuhay ang kalayaan, mabuhay ang Pilipinas!”

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) will continue to clean the areas within its jurisdiction even though the ultimatum to get rid the city from garbage, street dwellers and graffiti was only until yesterday.

CCPO Director, Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog, said that they patrolled the city before June 12 to ensure that no one sleeps on the side of the road.

They checked the bottom of the bridges and other places where street dwellers usually gather.

"Kani siya continuous gihapon ni siya nga activities, even katong atoang graffiti or vandalism, nga naa tay ginapahigayon nga beautification and mural painting kaganina na-appreciate ni mayor kay nakita nila nga ang atong kapulisan aktibo sa pagsuporta sa maong programa" said Dalogdog. —  Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon Romeo Marantal (FREEMAN)