"Let us unite and help each other heal our wounds, and work towards achieving true progress," urged Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto as the country celebrates its 124th Independence Day on Sunday, June 12.
In a short ceremony held at the Rizal Monument in the city, Sotto emphasized that "it is up to the people whether the progress they yearn for will be achieved sooner or later."
"Kung titingnan po natin ang mga problema, mga suliranin na pinagdadaanan po natin bilang isang bansa, nasasaatin na po kung ano ang gagawin natin ngayon. Magsisiraan ba tayo? Lalagyan ba natin ng pulitika ang bawat bagay? O magkakaisa at magtutulungan ba tayo para sa ating bansa para talagang makamit ang tunay na kalayaan at kasarinlan, hindi lang sa mga dayuhan, kundi sa iba't ibang problema mula sa kahirapan hanggang sa korapsyon sa ating bansa? (If we look at our problems and the challenges our country is facing, it is up to us to act now. Will we tear each other apart? Will we include politics in everything? Or will we stand in solidarity with one another to achieve true freedom and independence for our country in the face of poverty, and corruption?)" Sotto said.
The mayor shared that he spoke to a group or organization last week who often said the country's problems are constantly repeated, and that there was no hope.
He recognized the group's sentiments to be true, agreeing that in some cases the relentless problems are severe and difficult to resolve such as the issue of corruption.
"Isipin na lang po natin, ngayon po inaalala natin 'yung sakripisyo at hirap ng ating mga bayani mula kay Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, hanggang kay Antonio Luna at iba pa. Pag tayo po ang papipiliin, mas gusto ba natin mabuhay noong 1898 o 2022? Kung titingnan natin ang ating kasaysayan, ang mga nangyari noon, at kung nasaan na ba tayo ngayon, wala naman po siguro sa atin dito na pipili na mas gusto natin mabuhay noong 1898. Di hamak na mas maganda naman po ang buhay ngayon (Today, let's just remember the sacrifices and struggles of our heroes -- from Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, to Antonio Luna and many others. If we were to choose, would we prefer to have lived in 1898 or be here now in 2022? If we look at our history, the events that transpired and reflect on where we are now, no one will probably choose a life lived in 1898. Life is much better now than it was in the past)," Sotto said.
In commemoration of Independence Day, Sotto, Pasig City Congressman Roman Romulo, and the city's councilors offered wreaths laid beneath and beside the Rizal Monument, followed by solemn prayers and words of gratitude.
Among the attendees of the event were other local government officials, representatives of the Department of Local and Interior Government (DILG)-Pasig, members of the Pasig Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Pasig.