View source for Pagadian City fetes 117th Araw ng Kalayaan

*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1351434352460/pagadian-city-fetes-117th-araw-ng-kalayaan
*Monday, June 15, 2015
:By Claro A. Lanipa (ALT/CAL/PIA-9 Zamboanga del Sur)

PAGADIAN CITY, June 15, (PIA) – The entire officialdom of the city government led by Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones, together with  government  line agencies, civic organizations, people’s and non-government organizations, men in uniform, gathered  on Friday, June 12, 2015 to celebrate the 117th Araw ng Kalayaan at Rizal’s monument, city hall complex.

“On this 117th anniversary of our independence, may we truly learn the values of our heroes and use them for the well-being of our nation in the context of this year’s theme, Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot-Kamay na ng Bayan,” Mayor Pulmones said in his welcome message.

He said,“we are Filipinos, in our blood runs the immortal seed of our heroes that flowed out in centuries through deeds of courage.”

“It is the same seed that blossomed in the heart of Dr.Jose Rizal, and in that morning  in Bagumbayan when shots put to an end to all that was mortal of him and made his spirit immortal,” the chief executive continued.

The Filipinos established the first Republic in Asia and initiated the People Power Revolution paving the way for democracy in our country and also triggered similar revolutions in some other countries in Eastern Europe, according to Pulmones.

“We cannot afford to lose our freedom again, we have to protect it, aspire and work for economic and other reforms to attain freedom, Pulmones said.

“Let us therefore pause and resolve to pay the price of eternal vigilance to protect our hard-won liberty,” Pulmones urged.

Meanwhile, Zamboanga del Sur Governor Antonio H. Cerilles said, “I hope and pray to God that we attain honest to goodness independence, especially independence from poverty.”

“Our heroes who have fought and sacrificed their lives in all the wars,all of them believe that democracy should be restored and that they believe that there should be peace and stability in the country,” Cerilles added.

“We should always think as Filipinos, it is us who can strengthen democracy through our belief in our government. We are Filipinos, it is incumbent on us to show to the world what kind of nationalism we have and we should have,” the governor challenged the audience.

At the start of the program, a floral offering and simultaneous singing of Pilipinas Kong Mahal was offered followed by a 21-gun salute by 1st Infantry Tabak troopers, Philippine Army.