Rama (File Photo)
CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday called on the public to continue honoring the contributions of heroes who were the front-liners in achieving independence for the country.
“Let’s all do positive action deserving of our forefathers’ strength, courage, heroism, nationalism and indescribable valor, especially our war veterans,” Rama said during his speech after the civic-military parade at the Cebu City Sports Complex.
Thousands joined the parade from downtown Cebu City to the sports complex. Most of them were teachers, students, government employees and members of the uniformed services, including children of war veterans. Doves were released.
Earlier in the day, Rama and Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella led a flag-raising ceremony at the Plaza Sugbo grounds. Ships docked at the Cebu City pier and those anchored offshore sounded their horns.
Cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu held flag-raising rites with speeches and floral offerings.
Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Paz Radaza recalled Datu Lapu-Lapu’s heroism and announced next month’s launching of a full-blown branding campaign to promote Lapu-Lapu City as “the historic resort city”.
“We want to show the world how proud we are, of what our forefathers did. They successfully defended our shores against foreign aggression. We want to show how proud we are of our culture and heritage,” she said.
She said the campaign aims to inculcate a culture of tourism among Oponganons wherein people would demand “five-star service” from government and provide a high level of service to visitors as well.
“Soon you will be seeing the colors yellow, orange, blue and green in our government vehicles, infrastructure, government employees’ uniforms, even on our trash bins, sidewalk walls among others,” she said.
In Mandaue City, Mass was offered at the National Shrine of Saint Joseph at 6:30 a.m., followed by a floral offering and a play with an Independence Day theme presented by the city’s Department of Education.
Mayor Jonas Cortes did not show up for the event.