Cebuanos urged: Preserve freedom

CEBU, Philippines - Acting Cebu City Mayor Margarita Osmeña has called on all Cebuanos to do their share in preserving the freedom that the country's forefathers fought so hard to achieve.

Osmeña made the call yesterday during the commemoration of the 118th Philippine Independence Day. She thanked the hundreds of police officers, City Hall employees, teachers, and all members of the society who participated in the celebration.

"As we commemorate their heroism, we must remind ourselves that we enjoy as a member of a sovereign nation and that we have the responsibility that we must see ourselves as caretakers of our nations' liberty, peace, justice and the pursuit of happiness," she said.

Osmeña said Cebuanos should gracefully remember the country's forefathers who offered their lives so that Filipinos will be "a free people." She said the city government is one in acknowledging those who continue to safeguard the freedom and democracy that the country has enjoyed.

"We must do our share. They have done theirs. We must continue to honor and respect what they already have done to us," she said.

She said every citizen should keep challenging himself to work towards equality among all sectors of the society, saying all members of the community has a role to play in assuring humanity.

"We work together so that our people are protected not only from the external enemy -from fear, ignorance and poverty- until then we can never call ourselves truly free," she said.

"Let no one be left behind and with your support and with God's grace, we will continue to be called a truly free people," she added.

The activity started with a Holy Mass at Plaza Sugbo Grounds, outside the Legislative Building of City Hall.

Osmeña and acting Vice Mayor Lea Japson led the flag raising ceremony. North District Representative Raul Del Mar also graced the event.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Paz Radaza has encouraged all residents of the city to strive to be better citizens.

"I call every Oponganon to practice good citizenship...We will be able to create much better and livable city that will have inclusive growth," Radaza said.

She asked her constituents to always remember the sacrifices of the national heroes in the name of freedom.

"Let us not forget the efforts and sacrifices of our dear heroes who gave their lives for the liberation of this country," she said.   Lapu-Lapu City officials commemorated the Philippine Independence at the site where the Battle of Mactan took place.  In Mandaue City, outgoing Mayor Jonas Cortes was absent in the celebration. His vice mayor, Glenn Bercede, spoke on his behalf during the program held at the grounds of the City Hall.

"Our city is in the process of transformation and we should not be onlookers only, we should be part of it in our own little ways like doing religiously our duties no matter how small it is, even if no one is looking," Bercede said.

He asked the Mandauehanons to instill discipline and respect each other as a person. (FREEMAN)