Few turn out for Independence Day activities

CEBU, Philippines - Although the 5,000 City Hall employees of all departments were encouraged to join yesterday’s Independence Day activities, a Solidarity Run from Capitol Building to Plaza Independencia and the Mass celebrated in the City Hall grounds, many of them opted not to.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday led some 2,000 people in celebrating the 114th anniversary of Independence Day where he said the people should always be vigilant in preserving our democracy.

During the flag-raising ceremony, it was Rama who raised the flag assisted by Councilor Edgardo Labella because Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young was absent.

Only a few of the councilors attended the event yesterday.

“We are only deserving of democracy if we will put all our efforts together and we become one in giving meaning that we are worthy to be free, and worthy to be free if we are also mindful of our obligation,” said the mayor during a 15-minute speech at the Plaza Sugbo.

Both Rama and Labella already announced they will be running in tandem as mayor and vice mayor of Cebu City during the next year’s elections.

After the simple program at the Capitol, hundreds of small white butterflies were released by City Hall and police officials who attended the event yesterday.

“Sa miaging tuig mga langgam pati ang gibuhian atol sa Independence Day apan karon mga butterfly na kay para mora’g dunay change ba,” said Glenda Gabuya, head of the Cebu City Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission.

Meanwhile, the Mandaue City government yesterday celebrated Independence Day with a Mass at the National Shrine of St. Joseph.

After the Mass a floral offering led by Mayor Jonas Cortes and the members of the city council took place at the Rizal-Bonifacio stadium in front of the City Hall. This was followed by the release of a dove.

Yesterday’s activities were joined by employees of the city government, national government agencies, the PNP, the Bureau of Fire Protection as well as parents and students of public schools in the city.

In his speech, Cortes reminded everybody that although we now have the freedom of democracy there is still the need for to help one another in order for the nation to achieve more. 

–(FREEMAN)