by: Claro Lanipa
Pagadian City, 12 June (PIA) – The city government of
Pagadian spearheaded in today’s 114th Philippines Independence Day
celebration in a simple but meaningful rites with this year’s theme “Kalayaan:
Pananagutan ng Bayan Para sa Tuwid na Daan,” held at the Rizal Monument, City
Hall Complex.
City Mayor Samuel Co in his message delivered by City Councilor Alexander Co, Jr.
said independence is always a significant event for any nation, more so if it
is brought about by centuries of struggles that cost so many profound lives.
Thus, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to all the known
and unknown martyrs, he said. We remember them with reverence and gratitude for
the years of sacrifices to realize the singular and noble vision of heralding
an Independent Philippines, Mayor Co said.
“Freedom is more significant than life itself; the
latter is nothing without the former,” Co emphasized. Because of this, our history
hinges on the twin values of sacrifice and valor in the pursuit of freedom, he
said. “Life can be sacrificed, but freedom cannot be sacrificed for life,”
Mayor Co underscored.
Moreover, he said, we have embarked on a journey to
transform our huge and diverse country through rapid development. Alongside,
efforts to achieve rapid socio-economic development, it is of equal importance
to ensure that the entire administrative apparatus functions with promptitude,
efficiency, visible honesty and total accountability.
Stability will emerge, and sustained rapid growth shall
take place when the state is able to provide good governance which is supported
and critically watched by a well informed citizenry, the chief executive said.
He said, it is natural that tensions would sometimes
arise in this process of change. In a democracy, such tensions also become
issues of political polarization. We should endeavour that even as political
parties oppose, the pace of our progress
does not get affected.
Mayor Co said, that he has faith that our democracy,
our institutions and our social ideals and values have the capacity to deal
with any difficulty.
In conclusion, he hope and pray that all the political
leaders and parties in the state, as well as all other social, cultural,
religious organizations and every other stakeholders, would work together,
closely and determinedly, for building a strong and prosperous Philippines,
Mayor Co concluded.
First Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army
Commanding Officer BGen Ricardo Rainier Cruz III was the guest of honor during
the program, he was ably represented by the Assistant Division Commander BGen
Felicito Virgilio Trinidad.
The event was
attended by national and regional government officials, Veterans Federation of
the Philippines, Knights of Columbus, Free Masons of the Philippines American
Legion, Senior Citizens, Department of Education- Pagadian City Division, men
and women of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, Philippine Army,
Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of
Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the city government officials and
employees. (CAL/PIA9)
