SIMPLE CEREMONY. The city government held a simple flag-raising ceremony to commemorate the 123rd anniversary of Philippine Independence on Saturday (June 12, 2021). Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar (left) led the simple ceremony at 8 a.m. at Rizal Plaza in front of City Hall together with selected members of the security forces. (Photo courtesy of City Hall Public Information Office)
ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city government here on Saturday night will be holding a candlelight memorial for the victims and those serving coronavirus disease patients as part of their observance of the 123rd anniversary of Philippine Independence.
At 8 a.m, the first part of the observance was held with Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar leading the simple flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Plaza in front of City Hall and was joined by selected members of the security forces.
The flag-raising was held virtually and carried live through the social media platforms of the city government in compliance with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health and safety protocols.
Salazar said it will be followed by the Recuerdos: The 123rd Philippine Independence Day Memorial for Covid-19 at 8 p.m.
The memorial seeks to remember those who are sick and recovering, those in the front lines, and all those who perished due to the health pandemic.
The mayor enjoined the residents to be part of the memorial by lighting a candle in remembrance of the departed and praying for healing and protection of the city.
The local Covid-19 data tracker showed that this city has registered 458 deaths as of June 11, with 10,842 confirmed cases, 9537 recoveries, and 847 active cases.
This year’s Independence Day commemoration is anchored on the theme “Kalayaan 2021: Diwa sa Pagkakaisa at Paghilom ng Bayan.” (PNA)
