Cyrus A. Natividad

A sea of flags, CPU Elementary School students flock the CPU flag pole with their flaglets. 

As Central Philippine University raises the national flag – in celebration of Philippine Independence, Filipinos have high hopes to get over with the present difficulties besetting our nation. These difficulties are challenges which Filipinos can stand up to. Filipinos are known to be strong. In times of war, hunger and calamity, our country survives by its people’s resiliency and spirit. The spirit of nationalism gave Filipinos the courage and self-reliance to survive not only for the family but for the Filipino nation.

We have learned from history how freedom from Spain was won by our brave countrymen – including Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Juan Luna, Gregorio del Pilar among many other Filipino Heroes. They suffered, gave up their lives so that we can be inspired to act as Filipinos; willing and dying to defend our national identity in thoughts and in deeds.

CPU President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles said during the Philippine Independence Day celebration on June 14, 2018, “We must be reminded to celebrate our independence, and maintain it, considering that many people sacrificed and died for our freedom.”

We should also remember those who fought for freedom from the American and Japanese occupations in the Philippines. The identity as “freedom-loving” Filipinos simply extends to every one whose labors and aspirations contribute to the development and prosperity of the nation.

On the 120^th anniversary of Philippine Independence, the guest speaker of CPU, Mr. Lemuel T. Fernandez, Publisher of the Daily Guardian newspaper acknowledged Central Philippine University, as among the institutions that breed idealism, freedom and independence.

The Department of Education Memo 098 s. 2018 requires all schools to commemorate the Philippine Independence Day on May 28 to June 30, 2018 with the Theme: Kalayaan 2018: Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan.