We may be free from foreign invaders, but the Filipinos will never be truly free until we have all achieved genuine, people-driven, and people-centered progress in our economy, politics and society.
That was the stark reminder of officials of the city government of San Pedro, Laguna as it joined the country in commemorating the 128th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence against Spain, in a simple ceremony held at the San Pedro City Hall.
San Pedro City Mayor Art Mercado, Vice Mayor Nina Almoro, Laguna 1st District Board Member Bernadeth Olivares, members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, and other local officials joined law-enforcement officers, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, schoolteachers and civic society groups in reflecting the sacrifices made by our ancestors in earning our hard-won freedoms – and pledging to continue the struggle for genuine freedom as San Pedrenses push forward with their common goal of becoming "Una sa Laguna."
Ryza Rose Erise, who was recently crowned as the first Lakambini ng San Pedro 2026 during the annual celebration of the Sampaguita Festival, also joined Lakambini ng San Pedro - Turismo Bianca Chaves and Lakambini ng San Pedro - Sampaguita Alyanna Claveria in the ceremonial carrying of the Philippine flag during the flag-raising ceremony.
True freedom
In his keynote message, Mercado acknowledged that true freedom lies not only in freedom from foreign invasion but also freedom from poverty, freedom from corruption and freedom from political and societal division and apathy.
As the country continues to face a turbulent and divisive political situation, the city executive also reminded San Pedrenses that true freedom also means the freedom to choose responsibility, the freedom to take the path of righteousness and choose public welfare over selfish ambition.
"Ang tunay na diwa ng kalayaan ay hindi lamang ang kakayahang kunin ang ating nais. Ito ang kalayaang piliin ang tama, ang makatarungan, at ang makabubuti para sa nakararami,” he emphasized.
Mercado also took the opportunity to acknowledge the crucial role played by the city’s civil service in carrying on the struggle for genuine freedom through the everyday exercise of their public duties, borne out of their love and concern for fellow San Pedrenses and Filipinos.
"Ang bawat dokumento na inyong pinoproseso, bawat permit na inyong inaaprubahan, bawat serbisyo na inyong ibinibigay, ay isang pagkakataon upang ipakita na buhay ang diwa ng kalayaan sa pamamagitan ng tapat, mahusay at makataong paglilingkod," he added.
(Photo by Jeremy Rago)
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