Battling to regain freedom towards health

BACOLOD. Bacolod City officials offer flowers before the Monument of the Unknown Soldier at the wreath-laying ceremony at the Bacolod Public Plaza, as part of the Bacolod celebration of the 122nd Philippine Independence Day on June 12. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO)
BACOLOD. Bacolod City officials offer flowers before the Monument of the Unknown Soldier at the wreath-laying ceremony at the Bacolod Public Plaza, as part of the Bacolod celebration of the 122nd Philippine Independence Day on June 12. (Photo courtesy of Bacolod City PIO)

THE celebration of the 122nd Independence Day of the Republic of the Philippines in the City of Bacolod was centered on how the people can regain their freedom to enjoy being in the pink of health, considering that the coronavirus pandemic has succeeded in seizing the people's liberty to breathe freely.

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia, Bacolod Representative Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod led the commemoration of the country's freedom day in simple rites with social distancing and face masks held at the Bacolod City Public Plaza, Friday morning, June 12.

This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2020: Tungo sa Bansang Malaya, Nagbabayanihan, at Ligtas (Kalayaan 2020: Towards A Free, United, and Safe Nation).”

Gasataya, who served as the guest of honor and speaker, said in this most trying time, health is not only wealth but freedom.

“We are now in this tough situation where we have to choose who stays in and who stays out. The ones without health risks may go out of their residence while the vulnerable ones shall stay home. We do this to avoid being in a much worse situation where we have to choose who lives and who dies,” he added.

Gasataya emphasized the importance of mental and emotional health by saying that its negativity could be as deadly as the coronavirus disease.

“Let us strive harder to connect more with people we love in this time of disconnection. Do not let distance and separation take away our freedom to care, to communicate, to love, and to uplift one another. Spare no effort to save lives by simply showing that you care. Health is freedom and mental health is everything,” Gasataya added.

Leonardia, in his speech, said the people are now, once again, engaged in a battle for freedom. This time, freedom from the havoc wrought by the novel coronavirus.

"As we celebrate right now the 122nd anniversary of our independence, we are again making history since for the first time in our generation, we are engaged in a difficult battle for freedom. This time, freedom from the havoc wrought by an invisible and the minutest of enemies – the coronavirus," Leonardia said.

The mayor added that the only shield or protection from this deadly virus is understanding, patience, cooperation and a united stand with the government that has so far been implementing the best health and economic measures possible for our people.

Familiaran said in his welcome message that the commemoration of Independence Day must serve as a reminder that what we are and what we have today is because of the thoughts, deeds, and the noble lives of our forefathers.

"Let us be guided by history, and may we live out the lessons we have learned today," he added.

On the other hand, Familiaran, who is the local Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) chairperson, and city councilors, who were designated as heads of the different task forces against Covid-19, were given credit by the mayor for ably handling the local IATF and for doing a great job for the city in controlling the spread of the virus.

In his speech, Leonardia also thanked the various City Hall departments, the private sector, doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, hospital staff and their utility people who are in the frontline in taking care of patients.

"Let me take this opportunity to honor and salute them for the unequivocal service they render in the line of duty where some even lost their lives in the process," he said.

“Allow me to thank all of you, my fellow Bacoleños, for having been very cooperative in all the health protocols our local government has set for you. Your self-discipline is amazing. My heart beams with pride as I look back to the recent past three months when we have been under all those community quarantines and the lockdown Sundays that, with your trust in our leadership, made the city look like a ghost town where streets were empty and everything seemed to be at a standstill, all for the common good,” Leonardia added.

While the virus has baffled experts who are looking for a cure, Filipinos can help them by strengthening their faith and calling on the Almighty, the mayor added.

"The power of prayer cannot be underestimated," the mayor said. "As prayer warriors, we can storm the Gates of Heaven for God’s compassion and mercy on His people."

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