Speaker Romualdez, Mayor Along, lead 125th Independence Day rites
HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan led the 125th-anniversary celebration of Philippine Independence amid the presence of guests and Caloocan citizens on Monday, June 12, at the historic Bonifacio Monument.
Mayor Along started his speech by acknowledging the “sacrifice” of our national heroes that led to “a free and bright future that Filipinos are enjoying today.”
“Noong ipinaglaban ng ating mga sinaunang bayani ang kalayaan ng ating bansa, tiyak ko na ang nasa isip nila ay ang kinabukasan ng bawat Pilipino at ng susunod na henerasyon. Dahil sa kanilang pakikipaglaban at sakripisyo, ginugunita natin ang pagiging isang malayang bansa ng Republika ng Pilipinas,” Mayor Along stated.
The Caloocan mayor also called on everyone to “continue the fight” for independence, this time against poverty and other social issues of the present Filipino society for the benefit of future generations.
“Nais kong himukin ang bawat Pilipino na ituloy natin ang ipinaglaban ng ating mga bayani, ituloy natin ang laban para sa ating mga karapatan, ang laban kontra kahirapan at iba pang suliranin ng lipunan upang sa mga darating na panahon ay patuloy na matatamasa ng ating mga anak at ng susunod na henerasyon ang kalayaan na mayroon tayo ngayon,” Mayor Along said.
The local chief executive likewise stated that he trusts that every Filipino shall effect change and emphasized the importance of maintaining nationalism and appreciation of the country’s sovereignty.
“Dahil tulad nila Gat Andres Bonifacio, Doktor Jose Rizal, Gabriela Silang at marami pang bayani, ang bawat isa sa atin ay maaaring maging instrumento ng pagbabago at sa sama-samang pagsisikap, tiwala ako na maaabot natin ang pangarap para sa ating lipunan at sa ating bansa,” Mayor Along said.
The Independence Day celebration was also attended by representatives from national and local government agencies, including District 1 Representative Oscar Malapitan, District 3 Representative Dean Asisitio, various business clubs and humanitarian groups such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Caloocan City Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Inc., Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, and Knights of Columbus.
