• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday thanked government troops, healthcare workers, emergency responders, volunteers, and public servants, among others, who responded and rendered services to victims of Kanlaon volcano eruption on June 3.
Their unwavering dedication and sacrifices deserve our highest regard and admiration, Lacson disclosed in his speech on Wednesday, during the 126th Independence Day celebrations at the Provincial Capitol Lagoon in Bacolod City.
“Let us all work together to create a society in which no Filipino is left behind and where every individual has the freedom, through equal opportunities, to achieve personal advancement and contribute to nation building,” he added.
Lacson stressed that the independence gained in 1898 and the struggle to reclaim it in 1946 “show that, of all our blessings, our independence is the most costly for those who sacrificed for it and the most demanding for us – the inheritors.”
Our independence is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a constant reminder of our solemn duty to preserve our liberty, promote inclusive development, and work for the betterment of the lives of all Filipinos, the governor said.
To achieve these objectives, we must remain unified as a nation and transcend our self-interests, political differences, and regional, cultural, and social divisions, Lacson said, adding “This year, as we celebrate Independence Day with the theme “Kasaysayan, Kalayaan, Kinabukasan,” let us commit to honoring history, safeguarding the principles of democracy, equity, and human rights, and striving for greatness in all areas, including education, science, technology, and the arts.”*
