Pres Duterte joins Bulakenyos in 123rd Philippine Independence Day celebration

CITY OF MALOLOS- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte graced the 123rd celebration of Philippine Independence Day in Bulacan as he personally awarded the Orden of Lapu-Lapu, Magalong Medal posthumously to General Gregorio S. del Pilar and Marcelo H. del Pilar held in front of the Provincial Capitol Building in this city yesterday.

Marita del Pilar Villatema Santos, niece in the second generation of Gen. Del Pilar, received the award, which is being conferred to officials and employees of the government and private citizens who have rendered extraordinary service or have made exceptional contributions to the success of an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.

“It is just fitting that, more than a century since their exploits, these two sons of Bulacan continue to inspire succeeding generations of Filipinos to cherish the liberties and freedoms that they bled and fought for. I therefore consider it a great honor to bestow upon them – through their kin – the Order of Lapu-Lapu, in recognition of their extraordinary acts of heroism that served as the foundation of this nation,” the president said.

Duterte urged the Filipinos, his countrymen, to honor their legacy through small acts of heroism, especially during this difficult time of a global crisis while also honoring the modern-day heroes – healthcare workers, law enforcement officers, and other frontliners who have been instrumental in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In the past year, they have risked their own lives and sacrificed their own comfort and security to ensure that our society will continue to function despite this crisis. Maraming pong salamat sa inyong pagmalasakit at serbisyo,” the president said.

He also announced that the Armed Forces of the Philippines has consented in mounting a Wall of Heroes in Libingan ng mga Bayani where the names of those modern heroes who died from COVID-19 will be honored and inscribed in that wall.

Meanwhile, Gov. Daniel R. Fernando stressed that the day is to honor the contributions and sacrifices of these heroes that has been their legacy, to continue to stand still amidst failures, the hope by grace of the Lord, and love of family and country.

“Kung paanong naitatag ng ating mga ninuno ang isang malayang bansa, sa panahon ng matinding kahirapan, tayo ay naniniwala na lalaganap muli sa ating lupain ang inspirasyon upang patunayan at itanghal muli’t muli kung ano ang kayang maabot ng isang bansang nagkakaIsa para sa mabuting layunin,” ani Fernando.

Also with them to celebrate were Chief Presidential Legal Adviser Salvador Panelo, Senator Bong Go, Bulacan District Representatives, AFP Chief of Staff Cirilito Sobejana, PNP Chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar, Bulacan Vice Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, Bulacan mayors, and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairman Dr. Rene Escalante. ###