“May Independence Day be a reminder of the importance of working together towards a better and brighter future for Bacolod City and the country”.
That was the call of Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez in his speech at the celebration of the 125th Philippine Independence Day at the Bacolod Public Plaza on Monday, June 12.
Benitez said Independence Day is a day when we “remember the bravery and sacrifices of our ancestors who fought for our freedom” and that the struggle is not over, there is still more that needs to be done.
“The new narrative of Bacolod City is making history by changing governance and public service” for the better, he said, which can be achieved with unity.
Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya and Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran also paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives so the country could gain its freedom and independence.
“Let us not allow their sacrifices to go to waste by heeding the call for unity and cooperation not just in Bacolod but in the entire country”, Gasataya said.
Officials at the Independence Day rites laid a wreath at the monument of the unknown soldier at the Bacolod Public Plaza.
The Independence Day program at the Bacolod Public Plaza was followed by a civic military parade.
Benitez also announced that he will deliver his state of the city address to mark his first year in office, which is tentatively set on July 1.*