Cruz said in a message delivered by for him by asst. division commander Felicito Virgilio Trinidad said Philippines is proud to have gained its independence from the Spaniards imposing takeover 114 years ago and in fact, our Republic is one of the oldest in Asia, second only to China.
Cruz said seemingly it seemed that Filipinos has not taken advantage of independence. "Seemingly, we haven’t achieve our progress as a nation all these years because we lack nationalism and patriotism,” he said.
Filipinos should show a lot of positive values that we should all be proud of such as patriotism, nationalism and humane compassion for fellowmen.
“Ang pagmamahal sa ating inang bayan ay mapapakita sa papamagitan ngserbisyo at pagmamalasakit sa ating kapwa; pagtatapon sa basura sa tamang lugar hindi sa ilog, pagtapon ng mga tricycle o jeepney drivers ng mga gamit na langis sa tamang lugar para mapangalagaan ang ating kapaligiran, pagturo sa mga mangingisda na huwag gumamit ng dinamita, pagbayad ng mga negosyante ng tamang buhis, pagpairal ng halal na punong bayan o punong lalawigan sa isang mahusay na mamumuno o good governance, at iba pa. (The love for our country can be demonstrated through service and sacrifice; encourage tricycle or jeepney drivers to properly dispose used oil to save the environment, educate fishermen not to use dynamite, urge business owners to pay their taxes correctly, encourage elected mayor or governor to implement good governance, etc.),” Cruz explained.
Cruz said this year’s anniversary theme “Pananagutan ng Bayan, Para sa Tuwid na Daan” also reminds us to be proactive and reflect on how we can keep contributing to the independence we are ourselves are enjoying.
City administrator Rufino Amor praised the general’s appeal to patriotism and nationalism saying that it is very vital in the attainment of progress and development.
Amor said after we were emancipated from the bondage of colonial rule for more than a century, we seemed to have not attained progress because of our apathetic and regionalistic attitudes.
Amor also urged everyone to teach their children good virtues in life.
Meanwhile, Public Attorney’s Office asstant regional director Edgar Bongalos, hopes that the virtues and sacrifices of our forefathers who fought for our independence will be emulated by all of us in order to serve our countrymen. (NBE/GCC-PIA9-Zambosur)
