Winning life's battles is real freedom

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

Sunday 17th of June 2012

CALAMBA, Misamis Occidental, June 16 (PIA) -- “Gaining independence is not only winning the battle from foreign rule but also gaining experience to stand and strive hard to win the real battle of life.”

This was the message of Kristin Co Lim, President for Administration, College of Communication, Information and Technology (CCIT) of Calamba, who was the guest of honor, during the town’s 114th Independence Day celebration, last June 12.

A teacher by profession, Lim also highlighted the important role that teachers play in molding the minds of the youths for good education and freedom from ignorance.

Focused on the theme: “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan Para sa Tuwid na Daan,” the celebration started with a foot parade around the Rizal Rotunda, followed by the raising the Philippine flag, wreath-laying at the Rizal Monument and singing of the Calamba March at the Municipal Quadrangle.

Meanwhile, Dr. Luisito B. Villanueva, Jr., MNSA, Municipal Mayor, in his welcome address, highlighted the importance of independence for the Filipinos as well as for the “Calambahanons.”

He said the date June 12 is one of the most significant dates in the Philippine History and also for the Filipinos all over the world, as it marked the release of our country from the Spanish rule.

“Our celebration today is a way of expressing our gratitude for the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the love and freedom of the country, that led us to be independent,” the Mayor said.

Although the Calambahanons in Misamis Occidental never experienced fighting for our independence, we have showed the world that we have understood how our forefathers fought for our country, he said.

One of these heroes was Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal, who was born in Calamba, Laguna on June 19, 1898 and from whose birthplace, the town was named as a way to honor him for his contribution that led to the proclamation of Philippine independence from the Spain.

The celebration was joined in by the municipal officials led by Vice Mayor Jesus C. Enerio and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB), Philippine National Police (PNP), 5th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (PA) and the Knights of Columbus (KC).

Also present were the elementary and secondary teachers, faculty and staff from the public and private schools, such as, the CCIT, Misamis Computer College (MCC), Sacred Heart College (SHC) and employees of the Misamis Occidental Electric Cooperative Inc. (MOELCI-I), Local Council of Women (LCW), Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) headed by ABC President Hon. Ezel T. Villanueva and private agencies. (PIA-10 Mis. Occ.)