For residents and leaders of San Pedro City, Laguna, "independence" means more than freedom from foreign domination.
Independence is what enables San Pedrenses to unite and focus their energies towards a common goal of social, civic and economic progress.
That was the message imparted by the city government of San Pedro in a simple, yet meaningful commemoration of the Philippines’ 127th Independence Day last June 12.
The ceremonies were kicked off by a flag-raising ceremony led by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines at the San Pedro City Hall.
The event was also attended by members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines - San Pedro Post and VFP Sons and Daughters Association Inc. (VFP SDAI).
Meanwhile, as part of celebrations for Independence Day, the San Pedro City Public Employment and Service Office (PESO) joined forces with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Robinsons Malls in holding the nationwide simultaneous Kalayaan Job Fair at the Robinsons Galleria South Mall.
In his message during the activity, Mayor Art Mercado emphasized that Independence Day is "more than a holiday" as he urged city officials to remember and emulate the struggles of Filipino patriots to secure the country's independence and sovereignty.
“[Independence Day] is a reminder of who we are, where we came from, and what we continue to fight for,” Mercado said.
“Our history is not just written in books; it is written in our choices. It is in how we treat others, how we protect the truth, how we honor those who came before us – every action we take, every stand we make, is a part of the story of San Pedro and the Filipino nation.”
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