Davide: Preserve freedom

CEBU, Philippines - In line with the country’s celebration of the 116th Independence Day, the provincial government of Cebu is calling the present generation to preserve the freedom that the heroes fought for.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III recalled the events during the time when the country attained its sovereignty and urged people to make good use of it.

He further assured that the Capitol will maintain transparency as part of preserving the freedom being enjoyed by the people in the province.

“Kita sa provincial government, we are here to protect and preserve the liberties of our people. In fact, makita man nga how open this administration is sa katawhan nga moari diri, ninyo sa media… It is our duty to preserve the freedom that our hero fought so hardly against foreign domination,” he said.

Officials and employees in the provincial government held a flag ceremony at the Capitol grounds yesterday morning as part of the celebration.

Also graced the ceremony were Cebu Provincial Police Office director Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac and the new Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Supt. Prudencio Bañas.

When asked why he chose to celebrate the Independence Day at the Capitol, Bañas said, “Historically, may mensahe ‘tong Cebu. It’s more of looking for the proper venue ng ating independence right together with government officials.”

The twin sisters Maria Luz and Maria Nila Bolong, wearing a Philippine flag-designed Filipiniana, also joined the Capitol officials during the ceremony. They came from St. Theresa of Avila Community in La Union.

“Since it is the Year of the Laity, so we decided to celebrate Independence Day in Cebu because it is the seat of Christianity. We went to the shrine of St. Pedro Calungsod and Sto. Niño. We want to show the people that we have to follow the example of St. Calungsod, as a hero for today’s Independence Day,” Maria Nila told reporters.

As history tells us, General Emilio Aguinaldo with Filipino revolutionary forces declared the country’s Independence on June 12, 1898 from the Spanish colonization. (FREEMAN)