CITY OF MALOLOS — National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Commissioner Dr. Francis M. Navarro in his message during the commemoration of the 128th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence today (June 12), at the historical grounds of Barasoain Church in this city, that the struggle for freedom did not end when the country achieved its independence, adding that it should continue even up to the next generations.
“Madalas nating iniisip na ang pakikibaka para sa kalayaan ay nagtapos noong makamit natin ang ating kasarinlan. Ngunit ipinakikita ng ating kasaysayan na ang kalayaan ay hindi isang huling destinasyon—ito ay isang patuloy na paninilbihan,” Navarro said.
“Ang kalayaan ng ating bansa ay hindi lamang isang pamana na dapat nating ingatan, ito ay isang proyektong dapat nating ipagpatuloy. Ang kuwento ng Pilipinas ay hindi pa tapos. Tayo ang tagapagmana ng kanilang mga pangarap, at tayo rin ang mga may akda ng mga susunod na kabanata,” he added.
Navarro also led the wreath-laying ceremony in front of General Emilio Aguinaldo’s monument and was joined by Governor Daniel R. Fernando, Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, City of Malolos Mayor Atty. Christian D. Natividad, Vice Mayor Gilbert T. Gatchalian and Regional Director PRO 3 Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez
Meanwhile, Governor Fernando has called on the Filipino people to unite amidst the on-going noise in the political landscape of the country, reiterating the need to realign the priorities of the government towards the most vulnerable sectors in the Philippines.
“Habang tayo ay nagtatalakayan at madalas ay nagkakaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan, may mga pamilyang nangangailangan ng hanap-buhay. May mga kabataang nangangarap ng mas maayos na edukasyon. May mga magsasaka at mangingisdang umaasa sa tulong at pagkakataon. May mga pamayanang nangangailangan ng mas matatag na proteksiyon laban sa sakuna at mga hamon ng panahon,” Fernando said.
He also added that while democracy gives people the freedom to have different opinions, it is also seeking unity among Filipinos.
Fernando also used the occasion to honor the stories of perseverance and sacrifice of Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia, the young basketball player from Agusan Del Sur who died in a drowning incident last June 8 in the province of Aurora. He said that Baterbonia’s life did not go to waste and will live forever as an example to the youth, especially Bulakenyos.
“May he rest in peace, but we pray that the dream he carried continues to live in the hearts of our young citizens,” he added.
Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad on the other hand spoke about the importance of this day to us. Because this is the day we achieved our independence that we carry with us to this day. We can be proud of this to other races because with our aspirations and desires, we achieved our own freedom. (UnliNews Online)
