CITY OF MALOLOS — “Unity across generations is the solution.”
This was what Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero believed to be the only key for the Philippines to become a paradise, emphasizing that regardless of differences between younger and older generations, a solidified vision for the sake of the country could help Filipinos overcome all the challenges they face.
“Dahil kapag pinagsama natin ang karanasan ng ipinanganak ng una sa mundo at ang lakas at sigasig ng pinanganak ng huli sa mundo, walang dahilan para hindi natin malampasan ang anumang hamon, anumang pagsubok, na kinakaharap ng ating bansa sa ngayon,” Escudero said as the guest of honor in the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence on Thursday (June 12) at Barasoain Church here.
He also emphasized his belief that the youth should not be the hope of the motherland, contrary to what Dr. Jose Rizal wrote in his poem “A la Juventud Filipina”, but rather a reliable member of the society despite their age and status.
“Para sa akin, ang kabataan hindi na dapat maging pag-asa lang ng bayan, kundi dapat maaasahan na ng bayan. Hindi nila kailangang maghintay na sila ay tumanda, magtapos, yumaman, magkatrabaho, magkapamilya, bago sila dapat maasahan ng bayan,” the senator said.
On the other hand, Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando underscored in his speech that the value of the Philippine Independence should be remembered always in the present and in the future and should not only be measured once a year.
Fernando also mentioned the vital role that Filipino heroes played in claiming the country’s liberty in choosing their own leaders, noting that this “blessing” is not only a right but also a call for accountability.
“Sa ating pagboto at pagpili ng mga pinuno, isinasapuso natin ang sakripisyong inialay ng ating mga bayani. Dahil ang kalayaang kanilang ipinaglaban ay hindi lamang karapatan, kundi pananagutang dapat gampanan,” he said.
Also present in the event were Board Member Richard A. Roque, PBGen. Jeffrey Z. Decena, Pulilan Mayor Maritz Ochoa-Montejo, National Historical Commission of the Philippine representative Commissioner Cecilia B. Tangian, Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro, City of Malolos Mayor Christian D. Natividad, Cong. Danilo A. Domingo, Cong. Salvador A. Pleyto, and Rev. Msgr. Domingo M. Salonga of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish-Barasoain Church. (UnliNews Online)
