SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — Officials in this province urged Antiqueños to preserve and protect Philippine independence in view of the country’s 126th Independence Day celebration, June 12.
In his message during the celebration in this part of the country, Provincial Administrator lawyer Nery Duremdes, on behalf of Gov. Rhodora J. Cadiao, underscored the bravery, heroism, and sacrifices of many Filipinos in the past who fought for the country’s independence from the grip of oppressors.
To ensure that the true essence of independence lives on, Duremdes told fellow Antiqueños to embrace independence in their deeds, particularly in exercising their right to suffrage which must be out of free will and not influenced by external forces.
The official then enjoined the public to deeply ponder the Philippine Independence Day celebration and reawaken the patriotism needed by the country, especially amid current internal and external threats.
“As we celebrate the independence of the Philippines, we should be reminded of our love for one’s country,” Duremdes added.
For his part, retired Philippine Air Force (PAF) Col. Luciano V. Saiyo, speaking for Vice Governor Edgar Denosta, urged Antiqueños to uphold the spirit of independence by expressing support for the county in protecting its sovereignty and safeguarding the rights of its people in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stand ready to defend the sovereignty and advance the interests of the country, Col. Saiyo underscored the need for every Filipino’s resounding voice in asserting the Philippines’ WPS arbitral award from the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS).
After the program held at the Evelio B. Javier (EBJ) Freedom Park in San Jose town, a wreath-laying ceremony followed at the monument of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, honoring his and other Filipino heroes’ contributions to securing the freedom of modern-day Filipinos now enjoy.
The 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Antique was participated in by the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Army (PA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), personnel of national government agencies (NGAs), and officials and employees of the provincial government. (AGP/BPS/PIA Antique)
