Friday, June 13, 2008 ‘No grand parades, costly numbers’
WITHOUT fanfare, Philippine flags were raised simultaneously across the country yesterday to celebrate the 110th Independence Day, as a Cabinet official highlighted the need to unite and to free Filipinos from poverty, disease and terror.
Amid the increasing prices of fuel, rice and other commodities, the President gave instructions to dispense with grand parades, floats and costly production numbers. She also sent Cabinet members to lead the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies in all the regions.
At the Cebu Provincial Capitol grounds, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque led the flag ceremony.
Col. Arnaldo Fernandez, commander of the 53rd Engineering Brigade of the Philippine Army and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia assisted Duque during the ceremony.
Cebuano heroes
Duque praised Cebuano heroes Leon Kilat and Francisco Lllamas, who led around 300 Katipuneros in San Nicolas town back in April 3, 1898.
It is because of Kilat and Llamas’ heroism that Cebu now celebrates 110 years of independence, he said.
“It is a historic event marked in one of Cebu’s streets and a memory of valor and heroism carved in the hearts of all Cebuanos,” Duque said of the heroes’ victory.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Avelino Razon Jr. also took the opportunity to remind police officers in the region to continue their efforts in bringing about peace and order.
For her part, Governor Garcia considered Independence Day as an occasion to celebrate the heroes who have died for the country’s independence.
New fight
“We are celebrating our heroes. Secretary Duque even mentioned Leon Kilat and the others who fought for our freedom. We celebrate today the fruits of their effort and heroism,” Garcia said.
But while the country enjoys 110 years of independence from colonial rule, Duque said it still has to fight “to free people from poverty, disease, terror and despondency.”
Duque acknowledged the rising fuel prices and rice shortage, calling these “a major development challenge to the nation.”
The health secretary called on the public to continue with the struggle for unity as a nation, so that every Filipino will have access to basic social opportunities.
Duque added that the government recently came up with a social reform agenda that focuses on increasing investments in people and infrastructure, and transparency and good governance to prevent corruption and cut red tape in government.
Also, it hopes to ease the burden of global price increases in food and energy through targeted relief to the poorest sectors.
With Duque’s call for unity among the public and the government sector, Garcia challenged public servants to serve their constituents regardless of their political affiliations.
Responsibility
“As public servants, and I hope that I have been doing it right for the past three to four years, you are elected to an office.
We have the responsibility to serve regardless of political affiliation and political interest,” she said.
Garcia also hoped that politicians would also stop thinking about who voted for them and who did not, as this would only lead to arguments.
“This is the time to unite, this is the time to join hands. Let us all work together for growth and development,” she said.
At the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 yesterday, Razon’s speech was read aloud in a simple celeb-ration.
“Our duties as police officers don’t end when we take off our police uniforms. Let us sincerely work on our aspirations to become honest, trustworthy and reliable public servants,” Razon said in his message, which PRO 7 Chief Ronald Roderos read.
Razon asked that they perform their duties to serve the community with bravery and to win the fight against criminality and disorder.
“On this day, as we unite in celebrating another year of our independence, let us be grateful for the bravery and heroism of our police, especially those who have risked their lives without reservation in answering the call of duty so that the ideals of freedom and democracy will prevail,” he said in Filipino.
While they savor their triumphs, they should also keep in mind that their achievements are all for naught if they do not stand united, said the PNP chief.
“Let us be united in the fight against crime and work to promote love of country, truth and efficiency in the tasks we face today and in the future,” he said. (EPB/MEA)
