113th Independence Day, Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan

On the left: The embodiment of three Filipina women who hand sewn the Philippine flag.

Yesterday, today and tomorrow are written in our history, it never ceases but keeps on going.

History is the most classical piece of a nation’s story. It is a compilation of the best and worst scenarios which carved a mark in the lives of humanity and in the growth of civilization. All actions taken and words spoken are not buried on yesterday but keep on living for today and continue to mature for tomorrow.

Hail to the heroes and mighty warriors who made a bequest in the taste of freedom we are celebrating for over a century and counting. Without their brave hearts, sharp minds and thirst to be freed, we wouldn’t be enjoying and living the traditions we have practiced as Filipinos. Yet, this is only a single page unfold from the portion of the past.

June 12, 1898 was noted as the Philippine Declaration of Independence. However, before the Filipinos tasted their sweetest triumph, they went through the bitterest, sourest and spiciest struggles under the iron hands of the Spaniards. Their uproar for freedom has long been fought by most Filipinos but there was always lacking whenever they fought. As a result, they end up defeated. Later on, they have discovered that bravery was the essential component to combat tyranny and oppression.

In cooperation with the celebration of the 113th Philippine Independence Day, St. Raphael Development Corporation cordially accepted the invitation of the City Government of Bacolod last June 12. The theme thought was “Rizal: Haligi ng Bayan” which was in respect to the 150th birthday of Dr. Jose Rizal on June 19. Aside from his birthday, it was also in recognition of him as the Philippine’s National Hero, one of the many Filipinos who battled for our liberty.

The activity was executed through a Grand Parade where SRD featured the “Human Flag.” Aside from it, there were various floats which will dig the epochs of our history towards the Philippine Independence. As a response, the company provided a float where the three women who hand sewn the Philippine flag where seated. They were Mrs. Marcela Mariño Agoncillo, wife of the first Filipino diplomat Felipe Agoncillo, together with her daughter Lorenza and the niece of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and wife of General Salvador Natividad, Mrs. Delfina Herbosa de Natividad.

Aside from SRDC, there were also other corporations, organizations and schools which were present in the event. The drum and bugles added a rhyme to the festivity of independence which was played by some schools along with the Knights of the Columbus who walked in the long alley of the street despite the rain and stood as the crowd favorite.

The embodiment of the participants to retell our history and acknowledge the unconditional love our mighty heroes offered might only be the simplest way to restore our passion for patriotism and nationalism. Yet, what these epochs and people have spent will never perish, instead, it will be retold to out posterity.*