by Lourhenz Igloria and Rojean Grace Patumbon/UM Interns
DAVAO City celebrated the 125th Anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence at Rizal Park on June 12.
Acting Mayor J. Melchor B. Quitain Jr. led the wreath-laying ceremony at the national monument of Dr. Jose Rizal for the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence, with the theme “Kalayaan 2023: Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.”
The event also drew several dignitaries, including the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Hon. Zhao Xiuzhen; the Consul General of Malaysia, Hon. Deddy Faisal B Ahmad Salleh; the Consul General of Indonesia, Dr. Achmad Djatmiko; and the Consul General of Japan, Hon. Yoshihisa Ishikawa.
Several military and police personnel also paid their respects by offering a flower wreath to his monument. The officers represented the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Davao City Field Unit, National Bureau of Investigation XI-SEMBRO, Bureau of Fire Protection Region XI, Davao City Police, TOG 11- Philippine Air Force, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, Task Force Davao, Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Region XI.
Also in attendance were City Administrator Atty. Francis Mark Layog; Coast Guard district commander Agapito Bibat; Col. Marion Angcao, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Battalion; Col. Darren Comia, Task Force Davao chief; FSSUPT Richard Arbutante, BFP XI regional director; Atty. Arcelito Albao, NBI XI regional director, and city councilors.
The Department of Education, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, Order of the Knights of Rizal Davao Chapter, Veterans Federation of the Philippines-Davao City, and the Rotary Rotary Club of Davao also sent their respective representatives.
“Kahit sino at ano pa man ang iyong estado sa komunidad maging ehemplo po tayo ng tapat at mahusay na paglilingkod ng bayan, patuloy nating iwagayway ang bandila ng kasarinlan at kalayaan. Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan sa ating lahat. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas (No matter who and what your state of life in the community. Let us be an example of honest and efficient service to the people, we will continue to wave the flag of independence and freedom. Happy Independence day to all of us. Long live Philippines ,” said guest of honor PBGen. General Alden B. Delvo, the regional police director, at the event.
The PRP XI Band then led the singing of the “Tayo’y Dabawenyo.”
