“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.”
Incumbent Governor and Congressman-elect of the First District Edgar M. Chatto uttered these exact words exactly a year ago today during the 120th commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day.
Today, as the nation celebrates its 121st Freedom Day, Gov. Chatto calls on the Boholanos to mark this day as the day fit to honor the Filipinos’ valiant spirit in preserving our freedom, and compassion for each other’s welfare and well-being.
Freedom is not only the one our forefathers fought for and gained back from our colonizers decades ago, which we continue to enjoy today as Filipinos; but also, 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.
This year’s theme of “Tapang ng Bayan, Malasakit sa Mamamayan” speaks of the citizenry’s fearless and noble fight against forces, whether within our midst or from the outside, out to topple and conquer our sovereignty and subject our people to bondage in whatever form.
This is why, Gov. Chatto emphasizes, that “it is very important for us to care and look out for each other and show those who are with evil intentions that Dagohoy still lives in our blood and we intend to fight for what is ours and for what is right.”
However, it is important that we link our minds to the minds of our neighbors and friends; use our listening mind and loving heart to identify things that matter the most, and more importantly, to always remember that there is no need to shed blood to contribute to freedom, he adds.
He admits 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 he is happy that through perseverance, hard work and collective effort, we have indeed achieved so much through the years.
Today’s commemoration will open early morning with a Eucharistic Celebration at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral.
Provincial Government officials to be led by Gov. Chatto and Vice-Gov. Dionisio Balite and their Tagbilaran City Government counterparts will hear Mass together and participate in a short commemorative program in front of the National Museum.
There will be a Parade of Colors by the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) beneficiaries and the Flag Raising Ceremony and Bohol Hymn will be led by the Tagbilaran City Government Chorale.
Jairus Zim S. Pasagad will lead the Panunumpa sa Watawat.
Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell L. Yap II will deliver the welcome message to be followed by a cultural dance rendition of Bayan Ko by the Diwanag Dance Theatre and Cultural Troupe.
National Museum Director Jeremy Barns will give his message to the Boholanos and grace the formal turnover of the Old Provincial Capitol Building from the Provincial Government of Bohol to the National Museum.
Gov. Chatto will deliver his keynote speech to the Boholanos and this will be followed by a Prayer of Peace, Unity and Progress by sectoral representatives.
Highlighting the occasion will be the unveiling of the National Museum Marker and opening of the Natural History Gallery.
Lady of Ceremonies is Miss Bohol 2018, Raclaire Stephan Trigo.
Governor-elect Art Yap, incumbent Representative of the Third District, and other Provincial and Tagbilaran City government officials are also expected to grace the ceremonies. (PGBh/JANETV/EDCom)