HILONGOS, LEYTE, Philippines – Mayor Jose Emery Roble urges his town folks not to let down their guards to either internal or external threat that may undermine the sovereignty of the country.
“Before we had the Spaniards, Americans and Japanese occupying our lands, and lately the Chinese is trying to bully us and wanted to establish their claim on Panatag Shoal. It is therefore imperative for us not only to love our country but also show this love by helping each other maintain the independence we enjoy,” Roble told the crowd during the town’s celebration of the 114th Philippine Independence Day celebration.
Citing various local heroes who emerged during the Spanish, American and Japanese eras, Roble believed that the blood of freedom fighters still lives in the veins of Hilongosnons. “Therefore, we must make use of it to express our love for country in ways fitting these modern times,” he said.
The mayor told Hilongosnons he does not want Filipinos to celebrate Independence Day for granted. “We owe it to our forefathers, hence we have to feel their sufferings, patriotism and zeal to achieve freedom,” he said.
“By giving back to the people their due through social services, I believed that we can continue to flame the fire of freedom within every Filipino. This way the blood of our heroes will not be in vain,” said Roble.
As part of the celebration, Roble also handed plaques of appreciation to Jessa Vilbar, winner of the 2012 Leyte Idol singing contest, and Grace Lora, the 2011 winner of the same competition, in recognition to their prestigious achievements in the field of arts.
“Again we have proven that Hilongosnons are talented in any endeavor we opted to undertake,” said Roble after leading the crowd in chanting “Mabuhay ang Pilipinas” during his speech.
Other activities during the celebration were bloodletting conducted by Red Cross local chapter, giving haircut and other hygienic services to the people, distribution of PhilHealth cards and signing of the memorandum of agreement with the DENR for the cleaning up of the “esteros.”