FREEDOM DAY CELEBRATION. Mary Abigail Cruz-Francisco (3rd from left), GSIS officer-in-charge vice president for corporate affairs, receives the plaque and token to the guest of honor on behalf of GSIS president and general manager Jesus Clint Aranas, from Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, in the presence of First Lady Elsa Leonardia (2nd from left), Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya (left), Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran (3rd from right), Councilors Cindy Rojas (2nd from right) and Ana Marie Palermo (right) on Tuesday (June 12, 2018). (Photo by Nanette L. Guadalquiver)
BACOLOD CITY -- The top official of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) urged Bacolodnons to honor the memory of the people who fought for freedom as the nation marks its 120th Independence Day on Tuesday.
“As we gather to celebrate the sovereignty of our country and our people, let us also honor their memory, by considering this thought: that the greatest tribute we can offer them is to dedicate ourselves to ensuring that the freedom they gave their lives to protect will be exercised to obtain each and every day a life of dignity for our fellow Filipinos,” said GSIS president and general manager Jesus Clint Aranas in his inspirational message during the program held at the Bacolod public plaza attended by about 5,000 residents here.
Aranas’ speech was delivered by Mary Abigail Cruz-Francisco, GSIS officer-in-charge vice president for corporate affairs, as he expressed regrets for his absence due to prior commitments.
“But I am grateful, nonetheless, for the chance to share with you some thoughts on what you have all gathered to celebrate today: our freedom as a sovereign people,” said Aranas, who also hails from Bacolod.
He said that history reminds Filipinos that the freedom they enjoy today were purchased by those who were willing to pay the highest price that anyone has ever had to pay.
“From the conflict of Al Cinco de Noviembre to the Battle of Corregidor, and from the trenches of Tirad Pass to the shores of Leyte Gulf, their courage, gallantry and nobility of spirit shall forever inspire us to defend our right as a people to chart the course of our history,” Aranas added.
He also said that as Filipinos enter the 121st year as a free people, he is hopeful that each day of the citizens’ lives be the expression of commitment to honor and enrich the freedom not only of their fellow Filipinos, but of all men who esteem the nobility and the freedom of the human spirit.
Meanwhile, Mayor Evelio Leonardia said in his message that as the city celebrates Tuesday’s historical occasion, Bacolodnons should look forward to the celebration of the 80th year of Bacolod this coming June 18.
The date is exactly 80 years after then-President Manuel L. Quezon signed Commonwealth Act 326 on June 18, 1938 converting the municipality of Bacolod into a city.
“Today let us start looking forward to the future or to the next 80 years, for more of bliss and freedom from all forms of deprivation. This is what this administration has done and will continue doing now for Bacolod,” Leonardia said.
“We have to fight for the changes we want to implement because upon them lies the future of our children. We must keep on changing for the better and eventually for the best,” the mayor added.
The city’s 120th Independence Day events began at 6 a.m. with a flag-raising ceremony, ecumenical prayers, and wreath-laying at the monument of the unknown soldiers also at the plaza. (PNA)
