By Phoebe Salvador
Eagle News Service
(Eagle News) — Filipinos worldwide observed the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day on Tuesday, June 12.
President Rodrigo Duterte led his first Independence Day rites at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite, wherein, back in 1898, the Philippine flag was waved by following the proclamation of independence from Spain.
Duterte expressed in his speech that Filipinos must all be worthy of the legacy the nation’s forebearers and patriots left.
“Our generation, and those who will come after us, will never be able to pay in full the debt that we owe to
the heroes that founded this nation. The least that we can do is to see to it that the sacrifices they made,
so that we may enjoy these freedoms, were indeed worth it,” he said.
On the other hand, Vice President Leni Robredo led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at Rizal Park in Manila, wherein she urged Filipinos to uphold their freedom.
“Sa pagdiriwang natin ng kalayaan sa araw na ito, nawa’y magkaroon ng panibagong lakas ang bawat isa sa atin na isabuhay ang diwa na ipinaglaban ng ating mga bayani – ang pag-aasam sa at pagtataguyod ng isang bansang tunay na nagpapalakas sa kalayaan ng bawat Pilipino,” she said.
Other cities across the country observed Independence Day as well, following the theme, “Pagbabagong ipinaglaban, alay sa masaganang kinabukasan”.
For instance, about 7,000 local government officials and employees, city college administrators, and students gathered at the Mactan Shrine to join the regional flag-raising ceremony in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Meanwhile, job and business fairs were held in San Fernando City, La Union to help fellow unemployed Filipinos and fight poverty.
Finally, government officials, teachers, and students in Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte, showcased their talents by presenting songs and interpretative dances that emphasized the importance of freedom.
Overseas Filipinos, on the other hand, did not forget to celebrate the nation’s independence and prepared various activities to express their nationalism.
The Philippine Embassy in Moscow aside from holding a flag-raising ceremony, prepared a gathering in June 17 for all Filipinos to attend.
The Embassy in the United States, in the meantime, observed the special occasion through conducting free seminars and offering consular services.
Lastly, the Kalayaan Ambassador’s Cup 2018, a basketball tournament for both men and women, was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE as one of the highlight-events of their Philippine independence celebration.