By CESAR JOLITO III and MERLINDA A. PEDROSA
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson underscored the importance of history, freedom and nation-building during the 128th Philippine Independence Day rites at the Provincial Capitol yesterday, stressing that freedom carries continuing responsibility for every generation.
In his message, Lacson centered his address on three key themes: “Kasaysayan, Kalayaan, Kinabukasan,” which he said reflect the nation’s past sacrifices, present responsibilities and future aspirations.
He paid tribute to Filipino heroes who fought for independence, emphasizing that the country’s freedom was secured through sacrifice, courage and enduring love of country.
The governor also recognized the contribution of ordinary Filipinos whose collective efforts helped sustain the nation’s struggle for liberty.
“Their example continues to call us to serve with duty, patriotism and commitment to the nation,” Lacson said, noting that nation-building was shaped not only by celebrated figures but also by countless unnamed individuals.
He said true liberty goes beyond political freedom and must translate into access to education, healthcare, livelihood, and justice for all Filipinos.
Lacson also called for unity amid division, urging the public to prioritize the common good over self-interest and to strengthen democratic institutions that safeguard rights and freedoms.
He further emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation, saying the future must be actively built through investments in education, science and technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
He encouraged innovation, creativity and youth empowerment as key drivers of national progress.
“The future that we seek will not be inherited; it must be built,” Lacson said, as he called for inclusive development where no Filipino is left behind.
The governor also expressed gratitude to frontline workers, including uniformed personnel, teachers, healthcare workers, emergency responders, volunteers, and government employees, recognizing their daily service to communities.
Lacson urged citizens to honor history, value freedom and commit to building a stronger and more inclusive nation grounded in the sacrifices of past generations.
‘Same brand of courage’
In his message, Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said every generation is called to define freedom for their own time.
Gasataya recalled a day in November 1898 when a group of ancestors stood before a heavily armed Spanish garrison in Negros.
They had no real weapons, no military advantage. All they had was a daring idea and an unshakable faith in one another.
“They carved rifles out of nipa stalks. They rolled up woven sawali mats and painted them to look like cannons, then they marched forward shoulder-to-shoulder, projecting a strength so unified that the powerful, formidable Spanish empire surrendered without a single shot. That victory belonged entirely to the collective,” he said.
He said that “was the exact same brand of courage.”
“Today, defending our nation rarely asks us to lay down our lives in battle. Instead, it asks us to live our lives in faithful, deliberate service to our people,” Gasataya said./CCJ, MAP, WDJ