SAN JOSE De BUENAVISTA, Antique — A historian from this province has challenged government workers to deliver true service to the people.
Rev. Fr. Fortunato Abiera, president of the Antique Historical Council, made the call as the provincial government led the celebration of the 120th Philippine Independence Day here.
“Be true servant leaders and make your offices (to be) counters of the people,” he said.
He added that Independence Day, officially declared to be on June 12, 1946 by the National Historical Commission, was fiercely fought in order to preserve the Republic of the Philippines.
However, the question remains if the Filipino people indeed are free because of the lingering anxieties among them.
“Work for the good of all. Advocate for children and the youth,” Abiera said.
He said that the government leaders and employees should generously work for the people and make their services accessible, especially to the marginalized ones in the province.
Meanwhile, Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao said that as Antiqueños celebrate Independence Day, the battle cry is no longer to fight for their freedom from oppression and colonization but freedom from poverty and ignorance.
She added that Antiqueños should unite for change and for the attainment of a better life in the province.
Antique Vice Governor Edgar Denosta also said that elected officials should think of the general welfare of the Antiqueños over their personal interest to bring progress in their home province.
The officials and employees led by Cadiao as part of the program had their wreath-laying at the monument of Jose Rizal at the Capitol Ground.
They also had a flower offering before the statue of local hero former Antique Governor Evelio B. Javier.
Provincial Board Member Errol Santillan said that they also remember the heroism of Javier whose death every February 11 has been declared as a non- working holiday all over Panay island. (Annabel Consuelo Petinglay/PNA)
