BACOLOD City – Bacolod City commemorated the 128th Philippine Independence Day with a renewed call for unity, public service, and responsible citizenship as city officials and a youth leader reflected on the enduring meaning of freedom in modern times.
Leading the celebration, Mayor Greg Gasataya emphasized that while the nation’s heroes fought for independence on the battlefield, today’s generation is called to defend freedom through dedicated service, integrity, and collective action.
“The duty of defending our nation has evolved since those early days in the trenches,” Gasataya said. “Today, defending our nation rarely asks us to lay down our lives in battle. Instead, it asks us to live our lives in faithful, deliberate service to our people.”
The mayor underscored the role of public servants in upholding the values of independence through honest governance, quality public service, and a commitment to improving the lives of Bacolodnons.
“We claim our independence every time we deliver honest governance. We claim our independence every time we choose to make a difference in someone’s life,” he said. “We liberate this city every time we refuse to give in to the cynical voices of division and hate, choosing instead the harder path of setting our differences aside and working together for the common good.”
Gasataya also highlighted the importance of perseverance and teamwork, drawing inspiration from the city’s youth and athletes.
He paid tribute to guest speaker Brianna Nikola Ang, captain of the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts volleyball team, saying her dedication to sports embodies the same determination displayed by the nation’s revolutionaries.
“Your tenacity proves that raising our flag today still requires fierce discipline and an immovable heart,” he told Ang. “Just as those who fought for our freedom marched shoulder-to-shoulder, your achievements remind us that no champion succeeds alone.”
Every victory, he said, is made possible through the support of family, coaches, mentors, and the entire community.
Acting Vice Mayor Atty. Caesar Distrito echoed the call for nation-building, stressing that the challenges facing Filipinos today require the same courage and commitment demonstrated by the country’s heroes.
“Our heroes fought to free our nation from foreign rule,” Distrito said.
“Today, our challenge is to free our people from poverty, ignorance, injustice, and indifference. That is how we honor the true spirit of Philippine independence.”
For her part, Ang encouraged fellow young Filipinos to view freedom not only as a right but also as a responsibility.
“The celebration of Independence Day reminds us of the sacrifices and bravery of our heroes who secured the freedom we enjoy today,” she said.
“As a young person and an athlete, I have learned that the true spirit of freedom is reflected in perseverance, unity, and never giving up in the face of challenges.”
Ang emphasized the role of the youth in keeping the Filipino spirit alive through education, respect for the law, service to others, and the responsible use of their talents for the benefit of their communities and the nation.
“Freedom is not only a right—it is a great responsibility,” she said. “Our heroes gave their lives so that we could be free. The challenge now is how we will use that freedom.”
Drawing from her experiences as a volleyball team captain, Ang noted that success is never achieved alone. She compared teamwork in sports to nation-building, saying both require discipline, trust, cooperation, and resilience.
“Inside the court, every point is earned through hard work,” she said. “Likewise, every step toward progress for our city and our country requires wholehearted cooperation from all of us.”
The Independence Day program began at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Shrine of the Unknown Soldiers. It was followed by a civic-military parade that proceeded to The Upper East–Megaworld, where the culminating program was held./PN
