Naga LGU, SM celebrate 123rd Independence Day

By Zyra Ponce

THE Naga City government and the top management of the SM City Naga joined together in the ceremonial flag raising activity in celebration of the 123rd Philippine Independence Day at the mall’s grounds on Saturday, June 12 despite a slight downpour.

The simple Freedom Day event was attended by Naga City Vice Mayor Cecilia “Nene” Veluz- De Asis, SM Mall Manager Jeannette De Vera, Councilor Kylie Tripulca, Philippine Army 9th Infantry Division assistant commander, Col. Alfredo B. Sanchez, Naga City Police Office (NCPO) chief, Col. Marlon Catan, and Naga City youth officials.

In her message, De Asis said that the celebration of this year’s Independence Day was not only about remembering the heroism of our ancestors during Spain’s colonization of the country but also in attaining the freedom against the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Sana patuloy natin susundin ang mga patakaran para sa tunay na kalaayan ng ating mga katawan at kalusugan”, De Asis said urging Naguenos to strictly follow the health precautions and protocols imposed by the government to minimize or prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the city.

Sanchez, for his part, said that Filipinos must always remember the sacrifice made by our heroes who fought for the sovereignty of the country. He also added that the celebration is a call of unity among the fellow citizens to face the battle against the Covid-19.

“Sa kasalukuyang panahon ay nararapat ding magkaisa upang mapagtagumpayan ang mga hamon na ating kinakaharap sa ating bansa lalo na ang banta ng pandemiya at ilang kababayan nating na pilit pa ring itinataguyod ang isang idelohiya na hindi maka-Diyos at hindi maka-Tao. Isang ideolohiya na walang pagpapahalaga sa buhay lalo na ng mga inosenteng sibilyan o mamamayan”, Col. Sanchez said.

“We need to be as one and we need to act as one, as residents of Bicolandia”, Sanchez added.

A similar flag raising and wreath laying ceremony was simultaneously done at the Plaza Rizal in downtown Naga, which was participated by local officials, NCPO personnel, and members of the Philippine Freemasonry.

This year’s Independence Day’s theme: “Kalayaan 2021: Diwa sa Pagkakaisa at Paghilom sa Bayan”.