GOVERNOR Arthur Defensor, Sr., third Infantry Division (3ID) Philippine Army commanding general Jon Aying and the municipal officials of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, led the 119th Independence Day celebration on Monday, June 12, 2017.
The celebration started with the raising of one of the largest Philippine flags being hoisted in front of the Santa Barbara municipal hall.
After the flag raising, Defensor and Aying laid a wreath on the monument of Gen. Martin Delgado, a native of Santa Barbara, just across the flagpole.
Delgado was among the revolutionary generals who led the uprising against the Spaniards and raised the Philippine flag in Sta. Barbara town on November 17, 1898. It was the first time that the Philippine flag was hoisted outside of Luzon.
In his message to the audience composed of veterans, students, local government employees, the police and military, Defensor said that Independence Day is a celebration of the gallantry and heroism of the Filipinos who fought for our freedom.
He, however, noted that the freedom and independence fought for by our forefathers is faced with various threats which need government’s utmost attention.
He cited the current crisis in Marawi City which already killed a number of soldiers and civilians and has made the city a "ghost town."
Defensor said the government should address the problem not only by staging war against the secessionists but by understanding the reasons behind the conflict.
At the same time, the governor hailed the soldiers in Marawi for sacrificing their lives to defend our land. He called on the soldiers to remain steadfast and loyal to the flag.
Aying called for the people’s cooperation in the fight against insurgency and terrorism which, he said, threatens the peace in our community.
He assured the public that the military is always on guard to defend democracy and freedom and to ensure peace and stability in the region. (PR)