The Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur celebrates the 117th anniversary of Philippine Independence today. The celebration was widely participated by all sector of the municipality including the national government agencies, barangay functionaries, non-government organizations and the private sector.
First part of the celebration was a motorcade along the major roads of Poblacion Zone 3, Zone 2 and Zone 4. It was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony facilitated by the 39th Infantry Batallion, Philippine Army which includes offering of fresh flowers to Jose Rizal Monument and a 21-Gun Salute.
Keynote speaker of this year’s celebration is Provincial Board Member Atty. Lani Gabutero of Davao del Sur 1st District. According to her, Independence Day is a celebration of Life. “Without freedom, there is no life.” The lady legislator also pointed out that there are two major national symbols that should be integrated in Independence Day – the Philippine Flag and the Philippine National Anthem. Gabutero said the singing of Lupang Hinirang today should be internalized every time it is sang as it manifests our patriotism.
For his part, Sta. Cruz mayor Atty. Joel Ray Lopez explained that our country’s fight for freedom dates back during the time of Philippine heroes Jose Rizal, Emilio Jacinto and Andres Bonifacio, to name a few. Up to this very moment, the mayor said, we still have our fight for freedom but not against foreign domination anymore.
“Our fight for freedom today is focused on our fight for freedom within ourselves; against poverty, hunger, fear and worries.” Lopez also stressed that the national government’s fight for poverty like the 4Ps program is a very successful initiative in fighting against poverty.
However, the good mayor pointed out several challenges to 4Ps beneficiaries to also fight for themselves not to be totally dependent to such kind of program. He said the government would only help people and that people should also help themselves. (Julius R. Paner, CDIO)