TWO years post-pandemic, the city government celebrated the 124th Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying to Dr. Jose Rizal’s statue in Barangay Poblacion.
The Independence Day celebrations with the theme “Kalayaan 2022: Pag-suong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas” (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning)” were held at the Mabalacat City Elementary School (MES) on June 12.
Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, along with Vice Mayor Gerald Aquino, raised the Philippine flag to formally kick off the event.
Aside from the flag-raising ceremonies, city officials also held a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Old Town Hall in Barangay Poblacion.
Garbo said this year’s celebration symbolizes strength towards the challenges by demonstrating a resilient post-pandemic recovery of every nation across the world.
“Naging saksi ang buong bansa sa ipinakita nating pagkakaisa laban sa pandemiya. Marami man sa atin ang nakaranas ng paghihirap at kawalan, nagawa naman nating maipadama ang pagtutulungan lalo na sa mga kababayan natin na nais muling makabangon at makapagsimula,” Garbo said.
“Bilang isang matatag na kalunsuran, marapat lamang natin na ipagmalaki ang ating kakayahan na makatulong sa ating kapwa at manatiling matibay sa pagsuong sa hamon ng panibagong bukas,” he added.
Garbo expressed his optimism for the city towards a “Bayung Mabalacat” and urged Mabalaqueños to stand firm with faith for the progress, not only of this component city of Pampanga, but also of the country, and as a Filipino.
The celebrations were also attended by Provincial Board Member Win-Win Garbo, Department of Education Superintendent Leonardo Zapanta, other local government, and DepEd officials and faculty members.
MES students also performed cultural dances during the celebrations.