Ilonggos celebrate 110 years of freedom

ILOILO CITY, Philippines - To honor the sacrifice of our forefathers in freeing the country from foreign oppression, the Ilonggos celebrate the 110th anniversary of Philippine Independence Thursday. This annual event is also a time for the public to praise local heroes. In Iloilo City, there will be a program in the morning at the Freedom Grandstand to be led by Mayor Jerry Treñas. The members of the City Council, lone district of Iloilo Congressman Raul Gonzalez Jr., and Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. will grace the program. In the afternoon, there will be a flag caravan, together with civic groups and the military at the main streets of the city. The parade, which starts at 1 p.m., will begin from Jalandoni Street in the city proper and will cover a large part of the city and will end up at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol at Bonifacio Drive. The City Government will see to it that the parade is well managed to avoid affecting the street traffic or cause hassle to motorists. The floats to participate in the parade are limited to only 12 feet high from the ground to avoid being jammed with the low electric lines. Floats are also reminded to stay at the right side of the road while at the assembly area to avoid hassles during the parade. On the other hand, the Iloilo Provincial Government will have its own Independence Day program at the capitol grounds. Thursday's celebration of Philippine independence in the province will be headed by Governor Niel Tupas Sr., and will be joined by members of the Iloilo Provincial Board (PB) and employees of the Provincial Government. Meanwhile, the local Philippine National Police (PNP) have made sure there is police visibility at all times, especially at the assembly areas and parade routes. The cops will also assist in the parade and maintain peace and order in the whole city. Local militant groups are expected to hold rallies in various areas in the city, and cops will be deployed in said areas to watch out for any untoward incidents. On the other hand, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said ceremonies are not enough to remember the heroes' contribution to Philippine independence. "Rather, the people should live with the lessons taught by our heroes and show a collective effort to achieve the greater good for the whole country," the AFP said. The AFP also reminds the public that all should serve as protectors of the Philippine Republic and be fierce in maintaining the democracy that we enjoy Thursday. - Sun.Star Iloilo