BACOLOD CITY – Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson paid tribute on Independence Day to the resilience of the people amid the ongoing threat of Kanlaon Volcano that affected thousands of residents since the June 3, 2024 eruption.

“It’s been a year already since the first Kanlaon eruption, and we saw a lot of heroes – our front liners, and we are very thankful to our modern heroes,” Lacson said in a media interview.

In his message, Lacson said that the eruption of Kanlaon which started a year ago was a reminder of the strength of the people.

Thousands of residents in three local government units (LGUs) in the province have been affected by the series of volcanic activities since last year, and assistance is ongoing to supplement the needs of the evacuees as the threat of a possible major eruption persists.

More than a year after staying in evacuation centers, some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have started returning to their homes, with hopes to restart building their lives outside the temporary shelters.

Lacson thanked first responders, healthcare workers, volunteers, public servants, and ordinary citizens rising to extraordinary challenges. “You embody the same spirit that guided our heroes more than a century ago,” he said.

As the province marked the 127th Independence Day, the governor reaffirmed their collective commitment: “To honor our past with remembrance; To guard our freedom with vigilance; And to build a future of prosperity and peace for all Filipinos.”

“Every year, we gather to honor the extraordinary sacrifices of those who came before us, our fellow Filipinos who dared to dream of a nation free from foreign rule, those who gave up comfort, safety, and even life itself so that we may live in liberty,” he said.

Lacson said that history is not a distant tale of nameless faces. “It is a living memory of our ancestors' courage, resilience, and determination. Their heroism challenges us to never forget that our independence was not simply handed down, but hard-earned through struggle and sacrifice,” he added.

“Our freedom is not only a date on the calendar and a holiday. It is a daily duty to defend the principles of democracy, equity, and justice,” he said, adding that everyone must value freedom and democracy.

He said that of all the blessings the people enjoy, independence remains the most costly and the most demanding-costly for those who offered their lives, demanding for us who inherited the responsibility to protect and nurture the freedom they secured.

“Today, while we enjoy the fruits of democracy, we must continue to confront the challenges of poverty, inequality, corruption, environmental degradation, and social divisions. The vision that inspired our forebears remains unfinished, the vision of a truly prosperous, equitable, and inclusive Philippines, where no Filipino is left behind,” he added.

He noted that it is now the present generation’s turn to shape a future worthy of their sacrifice on good governance, inclusive growth, responsible stewardship of the environment, and equal opportunities for every Filipino to thrive, contribute, and live with dignity.

“Our future is the solemn trust we must build today. Our heroes fought for a better tomorrow for us. Today, as we come together under the enduring symbol of our flag, we are reminded of the ties of our history, freedom, and future with our Kasaysayan, Kalayaan, Kinabukasan,” he said.

Bacolod City

The city government led by Rep. now Mayor-elect Greg Gasataya, accompanied by several city officials and various sectors, also marked Independence Day at the city public plaza.

In his message, Gasataya emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices of those who fought for the country’s independence. "As we celebrate the 127th Independence Day, may we take time to cherish, reflect on, and deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by our leaders so that we can enjoy the freedom we now have,” he said.

A civic military parade was held to celebrate the occasion.