Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon said freedom should be used for the good of others and the nation as he led the celebration of the 128th Independence Day on June 12.

Biazon, together with Rep. Jaime Fresnedi, marked Independence Day with a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of national hero Jose Rizal at the Muntinlupa City Hall quadrangle.

“Sa paggunita natin ng Kalayaan ng Pilipinas, mahalagang tanungin natin ang ating mga sarili: Bilang mga indibidwal, bilang mga Pilipino, bilang mga Muntinlupeño, ano ang ginagawa natin para sa kalayaang ipinaglaban para sa atin? (As we commemorate Philippine Independence, it is important for us to ask ourselves: As individuals, as Filipinos, as Muntinlupeños, what are we doing for the freedom that was fought for us?)” he said.

On June 12, 1898, the Philippines declared independence from Spanish colonial rule, which lasted 333 years.

He emphasized that freedom is a responsibility that must be used for the good of others, the country, and future generations.

“Huwag nating sayangin ang sakripisyo ng ating mga ninuno para lamang maitawid natin ang ating sarili sa kasalukuyan. Ang tunay na diwa ng kalayaan ay kung paano natin ito ginagamit upang makatulong, makapaglingkod, at makapag-iwan ng mas maayos na kinabukasan para sa mga susunod na Pilipino (Let us not waste the sacrifices of our ancestors just to get us through the present. The true spirit of freedom is how we use it to help, serve, and leave a better future for future Filipinos),” he said.

The mayor added that when the time comes and future generations look back, they should be able to say that the present generation contributed to building a more just, more prosperous, and more humane nation.

“Ito ang diwa ng kalayaan na nais nating ipagpatuloy -- kalayaang may malasakit, may pananagutan, at may layunin para sa kapwa (This is the spirit of freedom that we want to continue --freedom that is caring, responsible, and purposeful for others),” he said.