By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – Flag-raising ceremonies, gun salute and floral offering at the foot of Rizal monument were being held here yesterday as the entire nation celebrated its 166th Independence Day with the theme, “Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago”.
(Following in the Footsteps of Great Filipinos for Extensive and Permanent Change).”
The program served as a tribute to “our forefathers who fought bravely for the country’s freedom 116 years ago.”
Mayor Romeo Pulmones together with Vice Mayor Divina Grace Yu and Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincla Director Sofronio Ecaldre led the floral offering, which was also participated in by the city government officials and employees, police and military officials, regional directors of the different line agencies, public school officials and employees, students, non-government organizations as well as students, faculty and staff of private schools.
The Philippine Independence was declared on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo, the country’s first President.