During the Flag Caravan on June 12, representatives from various sectors in Cagayan de Oro City highlighted historic sites along Divisoria, including St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral. The church, established in 1626, suffered from enemy attacks, fires, and bombings. Archbishop James T.G. Hayes, SJ, rebuilt it in a neo-gothic style. (Photo: RTP/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) — The city government here led the 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration with a series of events, including the Flag Caravan, flag-raising ceremony, wreath laying, and the inauguration of Project Lunhaw Phase 1.
The Flag Caravan traversed the historic sites along Divisoria, showcasing landmarks such as the Executive Building (Casa Real), St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral, Cagayan Waterworks Tank, Maternity Hospital (Club Popular), Casa del Chino Ygua, Plaza Divisoria, Kiosko Kagawasan (Tribuna), J.R. Borja Monument, and Rizal Monument.
Around 20 representatives from various sectors and national line agencies participated, carrying a giant flag as part of this significant national initiative aimed at fostering patriotism and unity among Filipinos.
“Karong adlawa, atong gisaulog ang ika-126 ka tuig nga adlaw sa kagawasan sa atong nasud. Dili malilong kanatong tanan kung unsa ang kalisod ug kalisdanan nga atong nahiaguman gikan sa mga kamot sa mga langyaw nga nagdominar sa atong nasud kaniadto. Apan, gipakita sa atong mga bayani sa nasud ang talagsaong kaisog nga mubarog ug panalipdan ang interes sa katawhan batok sa mga kolonyalista,” said Mayor Rolando Uy.
(Today, we celebrate the 126th year of our country’s independence. We all cannot hide the hardships and sufferings we endured at the hands of foreigners who dominated our country in the past. However, our national heroes showed extraordinary courage to stand up and protect the interests of the people against the colonialists.)
He added that, as the city celebrates Philippine Independence Day this year, there is a positive and hopeful outlook for the local government’s efforts to achieve development and prosperity for all residents. This optimism stems from the strong support for projects and programs aimed at providing security and improving living conditions for Kagayanons.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government’s recognition of Cagayan de Oro with the prestigious Seal of Good Local Governance highlights the successful collaboration of all city departments and societal sectors in delivering impartial basic services to everyone.
“Nagtuo kita nga angayan lang ang gobyerno ipaduol sa katawhan, ang katawhan duol sa gobyerno. Pinaagi sa atong panaghiusa ug pagtinabangay, makab-ot nato ang gusto natong kab-oton para sa paglambo ug pag-uswag sa atong mahal nga dakbayan,” Uy said.
(We believe the government should be closer to the people, and the people should be closer to the government. Through our unity and cooperation, we can achieve our goals for the betterment of our beloved city.)
Vice Mayor Jocelyn Rodriguez, for her part, urged citizens to remember the sacrifices made by those who bravely fought for freedom.
“Karong adlawa (today), we honor our heritage and reassert our commitment to independence and national identity. As we look to the future, let us remember that the legacy of our ancestors lies in our hands. The successor generation, ang mga batan-ong sumusunod, has the responsibility to safeguard our freedom and build a brighter, more prosperous Philippines,” she said.
Following the wreath-laying, Uy, along with local officials, led the inauguration of Project Lunhaw Phase 1 at Magsaysay Park. This climate resilience project aims to transform Plaza Divisoria into a green urban area where people can walk or bike.
The city plans to further enhance its commitment to environmental sustainability and urban development by initiating Phases 2 and 3 of the project this month.
Uy stressed that the 126th Philippine Independence Day celebration in Cagayan de Oro City not only honored the past but also looked forward to a future of continued growth, unity, and resilience. (RTP/PIA-10)
