CJ Bersamin, Various Sectors Celebrate 121st Independence Day in Monumento

Officials and representatives of various sectors joined the commemoration of the country’s 121st Independence Day in rites held at the Andres Bonifacio National Shrine, the grandest historic landmark of the city.

In his speech, event guest of honor Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin urged participants to remember the revolutionary heroes who fought for freedom, especially against the Spanish colonizers.

“Tunay na karangalan ang ating pagdalo ngayon. Maliwanag sa ating kasaysayan ang ‘di mapantayang kabayanihan ni Gat. Andres Bonifacio at kanyang mga kasama sa pakikibaka upang makamit ang Kalayaan para sa ating bayan. Namuno siya sa himagsikan laban sa pananakop ng dayuhang lahi sa atin,” Bersamin said. (Our attendance here is truly an honor. It is evident in our history of the unparalleled heroism of Gat. Andres Bonifacio and his companions in their struggle for the country’s freedom and independence. He led the revolution against foreign colonizers.)

“Manatili sanang buhay ang kanilang kabayanihan at tapang sa mga isipan at puso ng lahat ng henerasyon na darating,” he added. (May their heroism and bravery continue to live in our minds and in our hearts throughout the succeeding generations.)

The highest magistrate also shared his fascination for the historic monument—which was designed and crafted by national artist Guillermo Tolentino.

“Ang pambansang bantayog na ito ay sagisag at paalala sa walang kupas at natatanging kabayanihan ng pangkaraniwang mamamayan.” (This national shrine is both a symbol and a reminder for the unique and fadeless valor being exhibited by the common people.)

“Tandang tada ko nang mga 50-taon na ang nakalilipas noong ako ay nag-aaral pa, at ang lahat ng sasakyan na galling o papunta sa Ilocos ay dumadaan sa McArthur Highway, lagi ‘kong nadadaanan ang bantayog na ito at hindi maubos ang aking paghanga sa talino at husay ng manlililok nito—si Guillermo Tolentino. Para bang si Gat. Andres Bonifacio at iba pa dyan at buhay at kumikilos sa aking paningin. (Every time my travel would take me near this edifice during my student years, when all vehicles going to and from Ilocos would pass through McArthur Highway, I can’t help but admire the talent and skill poured in by the statue’s creator—Guillermo Tolentino. Gat Andres Bonifacio and the others seem to come to life in my own perspective.)

Bersamin was given welcome honors by the men and women of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Part of the morning program were the flag raising ceremony, laying of flowers, and waving of the Philippine flag at the Bonifacio monument led by the

chief magistrate, City Mayor Oscar Malapitan, National Historical Commission of the Philippines official Veronica Dado, PNP Northern Police District Director PBGen. Rolando Anduyan, government, business chambers, and civil society officials, among others. The honor guards, meanwhile, presented a 21-gun salute and Taps to honor the heroes.

The program was also attended by members of civic groups, teachers, policemen, army reservists, and barangay officials.

Malapitan, for his part, urged the public to continue supporting the government in nation-building. His son, on the other hand, District I Representative Dale Malapitan, lauded the teachers for their invaluable contribution toward an “honest, orderly, and acceptable midterm elections.”

The Philippines’ Independence Day, also regarded as Araw ng Kalayaan and Araw ng Kasarinlan is an annual national holiday observed on June 12, commemorating the independence of the country from Spain. (PIA InfoComm)