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Continuing Quest For Freedom



The City of Naga under the able leadership of incumbent Mayor John G. Bongat has fittingly celebrated the 121st Independence day anniversary. In attendance were public school teachers and students headed by Schools Division Superintendent William E. Gando and Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Sueno Luzada of the Department of Education, Knights of Columbus headed by Sir Knight Errol Delena, the Knights of Rizal headed by this writer in his capacity as Commander for Naga City and Camarines Sur. The offering of flowers at the monument of the fifteen martyrs was assisted by Chief of Police Errol Garchitorena, Jr. A significant part of the celebration was the distribution of land titles to urban poor beneficiaries by the Housing Settlements and Development Office (HSDO).

Traditionally, the celebration of Independence Day brings us all to ponder on our freedom as a people. It is fitting on this occasion to remember the words of one of the greatest Filipino freedom fighters who ever lived. And I refer to no less than the great senator Jose “Ka Pepe” Diokno who once eloquently said:

“ Do not forget: We Filipinos are the first Asian people who revolted against a western imperial power, Spain; the first who adopted a democratic republican constitution in Asia, the Malolos Constitution; the first to fight the first major war of the 20th century against another western imperial power, the United States of America. There is no insurmountable barrier that could stop us from becoming what we want to be.” He further said, “We are one nation with one future-a future that will be as bright or as dark as we remain united or divided.” Our quest for true freedom continues to this day and age, and lies in our enduring struggle to be united as a people. Ka Pepe Diokno’s words lend deeper significance to our reflections on such freedom, and brings us to ask ourselves, “What does this freedom mean for us today? What might it mean for our young people and children, to whom the future of this nation belong?”

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“LOVE OF COUNTRY IS NOT AN OUTBURST OF THE EMOTION BUT A TRANQUIL DEDICATION OF A LIFETIME” SOTERO LAUREL

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“FOLLOW RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITH, CHARITY, PEACE, THAT CALL ON THE LORD OUT OF A PURE HEART” 2 TIMOTHY 2:22

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