“Our fight for freedom is a continuous fight. What we have gained, we have to preserve; the freedom we still have to achieve, we need to struggle for.”
Gov. Edgar M. Chatto uttered these exact words during yesterday’s 120th commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day.
In his speech, the governor described ‘freedom’ in two different but interrelated ways: the one our forefathers fought for and gained back from our colonizers decades ago, which we continue to enjoy today as Filipinos; the other, the kind which we still have to continue struggling for, as in the case of freedom from poverty and our continuous battle for true peace and security against domestic and outside forces, among others.
“It is important that you relate your mind to the minds of your neighbors and friends; use your listening mind and loving heart to identify things that matter the most,” the governor said, adding more importantly that “there is no need to shed blood to contribute to freedom.”
He admitted that challenges are very high mountains to climb because for the past years, the Boholanos have been trying to look for partners who can help in huge projects.
“And look what huge projects we have acquired and achieved,” he continued, thanking everyone for making sure we become a better province every year; our collective efforts contributing to larger development.”
The 120th Philippine Independence Day brought Boholanos together for “Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan.”
The commemoration opened early morning with a Eucharistic Celebration at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral concelebrated by Bishop Alberto Uy and other clergy.
Provincial Government officials led by Gov. Chatto and Vice-Gov. Dionisio Balite and their Tagbilaran City Government counterparts heard Mass together and proceeded to Plaza Rizal for the Flag Raising, Wreath Laying and 21 Gun Salute ceremonies right after the simultaneous Ringing of Bells, Blowing of Horns and Sounding of Sirens.
Singing of Hymns by the Tagbilaran City Choir followed, which was under the baton of Professor Joshibiah “Butch” de Juan.
During the commemorative program, Tagbilaran City Vice-Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso encouraged one and all to tap the youth and make use of their dynamism to ensure that the change that we want will be achieved; and the struggle needed to open the doors of freedom and possibilities will be endless.
A poet representing the Dagohoy Masonic Lodge #84 followed who then gave an Oratory Tribute to the Philippine Flag in the Tagalog dialect.
To highlight the occasion, special awards were conferred to: the Boholano Hero during the Las Vegas bombing, Wenifredo B. Maquindang; and to the TARSIER 117, called the Quality Summit Award for Excellence and Innovation, personally received earlier by Provincial Administrator Alfonso Damalerio II in New York last week, who subsequently passed it on to Gov. Chatto, Mark Sidney Du Galia, Darwin Bernasor, and Anthony R. Damalerio, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO).
Consequently, Miss Bohol 2018 candidates were again presented to the public, the first time being during last Friday’s Provincial Government weekly radio program, “Kita ug ang Gobernador.”
WinArts Anatomy provided musical entertainment by presenting a Dance Tribute to the Flag, who also earlier performed during the opening number by dancing to the tune of the Philippine National Anthem.
Master of Ceremonies was Professor Marianito M. Luspo, Boholano Historian. (PGBh/JANETV/EDCom)