LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – Independence Day is a reminder of the resilience, courage, and steadfast spirit of the Filipino people.
ILOCOS Norte Vice Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos (center) leads the celebration of the 126th anniversary of Philippine Independence on June 12 in Laoag City. (Photo via Freddie G. Lazaro)
Thus said Vice Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos as the provincial government celebrated the country’s 126th Independence Day with a flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying in front of the capitol here on Wednesday, June 12.
The Vice Governor represented Gov. Matthew J. Marcos Manotoc in the event, with officials and employees of the provincial government, component local government units, national government agencies, non-government organizations, police, and the military in attendance.
"It really is a day for celebration: The 126th Independence Day. That is truly a big thing to celebrate, so I guess we ought to give a hand to our forefathers who fought so hard to give us this independence. It really is a profound reminder as well of the resilience, courage, and steadfast spirit of the Filipino people,” said the Vice Governor in her message.
She added: “As we reflect on the significance of this day, let us also reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the freedom and liberties that define us as a nation.”
The Vice Governor said that she was moved by the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and told the people of Ilocos Norte that change has come. “Panahon na ng pagbabago, panahon na para dumating ang mga pag-unlad dito sa ating probinsiya (Time for change and prosperity to come to our province).”
Memorandum Circular No. 52 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 4, 2024 directed all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and educational institutions, to incorporate the recital of the Bagong Pilipinas hymn during flag ceremonies.
The provincial government has been celebrating Independence Day with various activities such as job fairs, the distribution of agricultural inputs, and granting of livelihood assistance programs.