San Juan honors roots of revolution

MANILA, Philippines — For many Filipinos, June 12 is a day of waving flags, grand speeches and declarations of patriotism.

In San Juan, however, the annual Independence Day celebration carries a deeper resonance, rooted in the soil of a battleground that ignited the flames of a revolution.

The city commemorated yesterday the 127th anniversary of Philippine independence at the Pinaglabanan Shrine, the site of the first armed uprising against Spanish colonial rule.

A flag-raising ceremony, wreath-laying and a 21-gun salute marked the occasion, led by Mayor Francis Zamora and San Juan Rep. Bel Zamora.

“Many died in the Battle of Pinaglabanan, but their sacrifice sparked a larger struggle that gave birth to our nation’s freedom,” Mayor Zamora said in his speech at the shrine. “Kung walang Pinaglabanan, walang kalayaan.”

Meanwhile, Civil Service Commission (CSC) personnel joined the Independence Day celebration at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

The CSC urged all government workers to continue performing their duties with honesty, integrity and bravery.