Labella honors frontliners

CEBU, Philippines — As the Philippines commemorated its 122nd Independence Day yesterday, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella has honored not just the forebears who fought for the country’s freedom but also the modern-day heroes in this time of health crisis.

“Our modern-day heroes, the frontliners in this fight against the pandemic. They are also our heroes of today,” the mayor said.

“Let us also honor them and salute them for giving also selflessly their lives so that others may live,” he added.

Labella said the Filipinos have fought many battles in the past and the Filipinos must continue fighting in the present amidst the many challenges.

Although the country was freed from foreign rule, the mayor said Filipinos should never back down from battles that they are facing so that the efforts of their ancestors would not be in vain.

“We could not have enjoyed this freedom and independence without the blood, sweat, and tears shed by our forebears, our heroes who fought for us to gain this freedom and independence from foreign subjugation,” said Labella.

The country was under Spanish rule for 333 years, American rule for 48 years, and Japanese rule for over three years.

Also, Labella urged the public to continue fighting against illegal drugs, graft and corruption in government, and all other forms of criminalities.

“And of course, fight against the invisible enemy (COVID-19) so that we should also be freed from the clutches of this pandemic,” he said.

“Let’s enjoy our Independence Day commemoration, minus the ceremonies, with a grateful heart and thanksgiving to those who fought hard for us to enjoy this freedom,” said Labella.  KQD (FREEMAN)