BACOLOD City – “Dapat indi ta pag-usikan ang aton independence (We should not waste our independence),” said Mayor-elect Greg Gasataya in during the city’s 127th Independence Day commemoration yesterday, June 12, at Bacolod Public Plaza.
Gasataya, the city’s outgoing congressman, led the flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying rites, joined by members of the City Council, department heads, and personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, local war veterans, and other sectors.
“Our independence was not given freely. People sacrificed for us to attain the freedom we now enjoy,” Gasataya emphasized.
He urged Bacolodnons and Filipinos to honor that sacrifice by avoiding actions that sow division.
“Dapat indi ta pag-usikan pinaagi sa paghimo sang mga butang nga makapa-divide sa aton bilang Filipino kag Bacolodnon,” he said.
Gasataya also called for unity and solidarity following the recently concluded May 12, 2025 midterm elections. He is set to assume office as mayor on June 30.
The city’s annual Independence Day observance is part of the “Mga Adlaw sang Paghanduraw,” an initiative mandated under City Ordinance (CO) No. 616, series of 2012. The ordinance seeks to encourage active citizen participation in commemorative and cultural activities under the guidance of local government officials.
The “Mga Adlaw sang Paghanduraw” also includes other historical commemorations such as the Charter Day of Bacolod City on June 18. This date was officially declared a special non-working holiday in the city and province of Negros Occidental through Republic Act No. 11146, series of 2018, marking the signing of Bacolod’s Charter.
Among the highlights of Charter Day celebrations are the conferment of the “Ang Banwahanon Award” under CO No. 494, series of 2009, and the “Be the Change Award” pursuant to CO No. 1042.
On June 19, the city also observes Rizal Day, in honor of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, following law and tradition.
Meanwhile, June 20 marks a significant milestone in local history — the transfer of the capital of the Province of Negros Occidental from Himamaylan to Bacolod City./PN
