On June 12, 2008, provincial officials of La Union headed by Governor Manuel C. Ortega represented by Vice Mayor Eulogio Clarence Martin de Guzman, city officials of the City of San Fernando led by Mayor Pablo C. Ortega, the different Regional Government Agencies, NGOs and the private sector joined together in the commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the proclamation of the country’s independence through a flag raising and wreath laying ceremony.
La Union 1st District Representative Victor F. Ortega was the guest of honor and speaker during the short but meaningful program held in front of the city hall.
Congressman Ortega thanked the uniformed officers “for helping us keep the peace and order that we enjoy today in the province”. He also acknowledged the cooperation and unity among the stakeholders in the region, province, city and the barangay which contribute to the attainment of progress in the province as a whole, adding that this development manifests the independence that the community enjoys.
One hundred ten (110) balloons and a pair of doves were also released during the event ‘which symbolized love, hope, joy, purity of heart and loyalty to the country’.
History states that the declaration of Independence Day in the country took place in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. The Filipino revolutionary forces led by General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the sovereignty and independence of the country from the colonial rule of Spain after the latter was defeated at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War.
Republic Act 4166 proclaiming June 12 as Philippine Independence Day, was signed into law by then President Diosdado Macapagal in 1964. |
