OUTGOING Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. and governor-elect Eugenio Jose Lacson led in the celebration of the 121st Philippine Independence Day held at the Capitol Grounds in Bacolod City, Wednesday, with the theme, Tapang ng Bayan, Malasakit sa Mamamayan.
The Negros Occidental Singing Ambassador led in the prayer and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, the Negros Occ. High School Brass Band led in the singing of the Negros Hymn, while the Boy Scouts of the Philippines – Negros Occ. Council led in the Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas.
A tableau on the Philippine independence was also performed by the students of Colegio San Agustin – Bacolod.
Governor Marañon and Vice Governor Lacson also turned over a check worth P500,000 to the Girls Scouts of the Philippines – Negros Occ. Chapter, as part of the celebration.
Marañon said that 121 years ago, our Filipino forefathers have fought for the country’s independence and today, Filipinos are still fighting against the problem of poverty, but if we work together and with the guidance of the Lord Almighty, everybody can achieve more.
The governor added that he is thankful for everybody’s cooperation during his three-year term as governor of Negros Occidental.
He said Filipinos must continue to strive to achieve peace because if there is no peace, there is no progress.
Vice Governor Lacson for his part said that Filipinos must also exemplify the values related to the theme of this year’s celebration because it is worth the sacrifices of our heroes who fought for independence 121 years ago.
This year’s celebration was hosted by Lin-ay sang Negros 2019, Roxanne Toleco.
Also present in the activity were the representatives from the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army, national government agencies such as Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Dept. of Education, Capitol employees and department heads, and some representatives from the private sector, among others. (With PR)