Keziah G. Huelar

In his opening remarks, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles highlighted the importance of celebrating our Independence Day by remembering the heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

In line with the 120th Independence Day of the country, Central Philippine University held an Independence Day Celebration, with the theme “Kalayaan 2018: Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan” at the CPU Flagpole Area on June 14, 2018.

The CPU Symphonic Band headed the gathering music with Mr. Ascencion Bautista conducting. Centralian elementary and junior high school students carrying flaglets had a foot parade around the campus which eventually led up to the CPU Flagpole Area.

The invocation was done by Mr. Ricky Guay, Junior High School. After which, the JHS Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts led the flag raising ceremony. Mahalaleel Devera, JHS faculty, then led the singing of the Pambansang Awit while Kent Alfe Alvarez and Jerych Angelo Maralit Grade, both Grade V-Excel led Panatang Makabayan and Panunumpa sa Watawat respectively.

Getting ready to sing “Lupang Hinirang”, the Junior High School Boy Scouts get ready to raise the national flag.

Mr. Lemuel T. Fernandez, Publisher, The Daily Guardian, encouraged Centralians to be modern day heroes by being passionate and nationalistic.

For the opening remarks, CPU President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles encouraged Centralians to reflect on the lives of heroes who strived for our freedom. “We should remember the sacrifices of our leaders in the past that made sure that we gain our independence whether it is through revolutionary or peaceful means. We are not here to get away from our classes today but to be together to celebrate this important occasion.”

Dr. Robles goes on to talk about that commemorating the Independence Day not as a mere ritual but a celebration of courage and freedom. “This is a day that we should always remember not because this is a ritual for us to raise our flags. We should think about why we are celebrating our Independence Day because it is a duty to honor and remember our independence and to respect the flag that is representing our country.”

After Dr. Robles’ message, Kira Viktoria Gomez, Grade V-Excel gave a dance number.

A parade of CPU Elementary School students make their way towards the CPU flag pole.

Centralians gather at the CPU flag pole to commemorate the country’s 120th Independence Day.

Mr. Edwin C. Laru-an, Officer-in-Charge, Sports and Athletics Office introduced guest speaker, Mr. Lemuel T. Fernandez, Publisher of The Daily Guardian.

Fernandez talked about the heroism of Filipinos during the Spanish times. “As I stand before you today, I am trying to visualize the struggles of our heroes during the Spanish revolt. The hardships and the difficulties they suffered for our liberty and independence.”

He encouraged Centralians to remember and re-visit the works and writing of our heroes to preserve and practice their legacy. “Thanks to our historians, we can always visit and re-visit the writings of our heroes if we want to learn about their ultimate sacrifice for this country.”

Fernandez also shared his experiences when he joined the civil disobedience movement during the aftermath of the 1986 Presidential snap elections. According to him, the heroism of our heroes during the Spanish era and today depict the same love and sacrifice for country.

After his message, a certificate of appreciation and token was given to him by Dr. Robles together with Ms. Crista Huyong, Director, CPU Cultural Affairs Office, Prof. Janet P. Jaco, Principal, CPU Elementary School, Asst. Prof. Janet S. Jalbuena, CPU Junior High School Principal.

A medley of patriotic songs was then given by Mary Heart Castor, Grade X-Mars and Violeta Saavedra, Grade V-Patience.

The Independence Day celebration was closed by a prayer led by Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian, Senior Pastor, University Church.