Hontiveros leads Cebu City Hall’s Independence Day celebrations

CEBU, Philippines — Acting Cebu City Mayor Donaldo "Dondon" Hontiveros led the city government in commemorating the 127th Indepence Day at the Plaza Sugbo yesterday.

Organized by the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission, the activity was highlighted by a civic military parade, a holy mass, a flag-raising ceremony, and culminated with a wreath-laying and gun salute ceremonies.

Aside from the Cebu City officials and department heads, the activity was also participated in by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Visayas Command, Naval Forces Central, Philippine Coast Guard, Cebu City Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other guests.

Hontiveros and Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera led the wreath-laying at the  Jose Rizal monument in Plaza Sugbo.

In his message, Hontiveros highlighted the importance of not just remembering the historic victory, but to rekindle the courage, unity, and patriotism of the Filipinos who fought for the nation's freedom.

He said he is humbled to serve where problems didn't arise in the form of colonizers but in poverty, inequality, misinformation, and social division.

“Independence, therefore, is not only about political freedom.  It is also about the ability to govern with integrity to uplift every citizen with fairness and to build a society where every voice is heard and valued for us,” Hontiveros said.

Protest Rally

Meanwhile, progressive groups staged a protest rally in downtown Colon St., Cebu City to commemorate Independence Day.

The progressive groups who took part of the street protest are Bayan Central Visayas, Kabataan Partylist Cebu, Gabriella, Anakbayan, and AMA Sugbo KMU— who collectively called for genuine national sovereignty, justice, and democracy, following the recent Senate's decision on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment.

In his speech, Bayan Central Visayas Chairperson Jaime Paglinawan said that Filipinos are yet to achieve their independence.

“Wala pa gyu’y kagawasan nga nakab-ot sa katawhang Pilipino,” he said.

Paglinawan called for the Senate to convict Duterte and to hold her accountable for the alleged grave misuse of confidential funds, saying that this decision won’t be forgotten in history.

The status of the trial, he said, turned the senators into the vice president's “defense lawyer” after the Senate voted 18-5 that effectively stalled the impeachment proceedings.

“Dili namo malimtan ni sa kasaysayan ang gihimo sa mga senador ilawom sa 19th Congress. Sakit kaayu, gipatay ang pangandoy sa atuang gidemanda [para] sa atung mamumuo,” he said.

During the rally, Paglinawan also said that an increase in minimum wage for Filipino workers and educational budget should be prioritized.

He urged President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to provide programs that would benefit the marginalized sector.

Kabataan Partylist-Cebu Provincial Coordinator Carmel Mata also called for a “speedy, transparent” trial over the impeachment of Duterte.

For her, it is an insult to the people if the trial would not be prioritized and would not be treated with urgency.

Aside from the impeachment, the protesters also condemned issues on red-tagging, especially among students who engaged in progressive activities that were tagged as “rebels.”

Mata said looking at the root cause of these problems should serve the interest of the masses and not those in power.

The group collectively expressed to seek the truth beyond false “independence."

The Police Regional Office 7 also  joined the entire nation in commemorating the country's  Independence Day.

“As we commemorate the 127th Independence Day, we not only remember our history but continue to advance the true meaning of freedom — one that comes with responsibility, discipline, and compassion. As the Regional Director of Police Regional Office 7, I take immense pride in every police officer who stands as a pillar of peace and order in our communities,” said Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, PRO 7  Director.

He added that PRO-7 stands in solidarity with the vision of Bagong Pilipinas — a society that is safe, peaceful, and united. As we honor the heroism of our forefathers, we also reaffirm our commitment to continue what they have started. — CNU interns Shyrielle Lariosa,  Reynan Monleon, Gwyneth Lynn Geonzon and Caren Itolle, and staff member Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JG (CEBU NEWS)