Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III encouraged not only the Bulakenyosbut all the Filipinos

Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III encouraged not only the Bulakenyos but all the Filipinos to stop doubting themselves and move forward to achieve national freedom and success during the 117th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day held at the historic Barasoain Church in this city, early this morning.

The senator, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, also expressed that we should let go of the bad things and should not allow bad character and self-doubt to steal our dreams; to stand up for what is right and to achieve success without trying to tear others down.

“Marami pang pagtatagumpay ang naghihintay sa ating mga Pilipino if we let go of the bad things. Dapat nating pakawalan, kalimutan at gawing inspirasyon ang mga bagay na humahadlang sa ating personal na pagtatagumpay. Pakawalan natin ang pagdududa sa ating mga sarili dahil our enemy is our doubts at sa pamamagitan nito, mararamdaman natin ang tunay na kalayaan,” said Guigona.

Meanwhile, Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado challenged everyone to continue fighting for freedom, underscoring that it is vital to gain true independence.

“Ang kalayaan ang susing magbubukas sa mga pinto ng pagkakataon para sa pag-unlad at sa pagpapalaganap ng katarungan at pagkakapantay-pantay. Patuloy tayong magkaisa tungo sa pagtatagumpay na sinimulan ng ating mga bayani at marapat lamang na huwag natin itong sayangin bagkus ay sariwain natin at ipagmalaki na tayo ay may dugong makabayan at may pagmamahal sa bansang sinilangan,” the governor said.

Alvarado also highlighted the greatness of the Filipinos who had sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty of the country.

Prior to this, Alvarado and Guingona, together with other government officials led the simultaneous raising of the Philippine flag at the patio of  Barasoain Church followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Philippine Republic.

The event was made possible in cooperation with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office.

Independence Day (Araw ng Kalayaan) is an annual national holiday in the Philippines observed every June 12 as a commemoration of the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.