Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando urged Filipinos to unite amid the ongoing political noise in the country, stressing the need to realign government priorities toward the most vulnerable sectors.

He made the call during the commemoration of the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence on Friday, June 12, at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos City.

“Habang tayo ay nagtatalakayan at madalas ay nagkakaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan, may mga pamilyang nangangailangan ng hanap-buhay. May mga kabataang nangangarap ng mas maayos na edukasyon. May mga magsasaka at mangingisdang umaasa sa tulong at pagkakataon. May mga pamayanang nangangailangan ng mas matatag na proteksiyon laban sa sakuna at mga hamon ng panahon (While we engage in discussions and often encounter disagreements, there are families in need of livelihood. There are young people dreaming of better education. There are farmers and fisherfolk hoping for support and opportunities. There are communities that require stronger protection against disasters and the challenges of our times),” Fernando said.

He emphasized that while democracy allows diverse opinions, it also calls for unity.

“It’s true that democracy gives us the freedom to have different opinions. But more than that, it demands the ability to unite for a greater purpose beyond oneself. This is the goal of a truly free country,” he added.

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Commissioner Dr. Francis M. Navarro, in his message, reminded Filipinos that the struggle for freedom did not end with independence and must continue across generations.

“Madalas nating iniisip na ang pakikibaka para sa kalayaan ay nagtapos noong makamit natin ang ating kasarinlan. Ngunit ipinakikita ng ating kasaysayan na ang kalayaan ay hindi isang huling destinasyon -- ito ay isang patuloy na paninilbihan (We often think that the struggle for freedom ended when we achieved our independence. But our history shows that freedom is not a final destination -- it is a continuing service,” Navarro said.

He added that freedom is not merely a heritage to be preserved but a project to be carried forward.

“The story of the Philippines is not over yet. We are the inheritors of our ancestors’ dreams, and we are also the authors of the next chapters,” Navarro said.

Navarro also led the wreath-laying ceremony at General Emilio Aguinaldo’s monument, joined by Fernando, Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, Malolos Mayor Christian D. Natividad, and Vice Mayor Gilbert T. Gatchalian.

Fernando likewise honored the life of Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia, a young basketball player from Agusan del Sur who died in a drowning incident on June 8 in Aurora province. He said Baterbonia’s perseverance and sacrifice will remain an inspiration to the youth, especially Bulakenyos.

“Saksi tayong lahat sa kuwento ng isang kabataan, ang Davao Eagle na si Rene Baterbonia. Isang kabataang binawian ng buhay habang nasa gitna ng pagsasanay patungo sa kaniyang pangarap. Isang kabataan na ang tanging nais ay maging isang mahusay na atleta, sa isang larong malapit sa puso ng bawat Pilipino. At sa pamamagitan noon ay mahango ang kaniyang pamilya sa kahirapan.”

“May he rest in peace, but we pray that the dream he carried continues to live in the hearts of our young citizens,” Fernando said.