Responsibility, bravery underscored in Mandaue and Lapu

“FREEDOM should be exercised with responsibility,” otherwise it could be used to enslave others,  said Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes in his Independence Day speech  in City Hall.

In  Lapu-Lapu City, Mayor Paz Radaza called on  Oponganons to emulate the bravery of Datu Lapu-Lapu in defending freedom.

A holy mass, flag raising and floral offering at the Rizal-Bonifacio stage next to  City Hall followed the program.

Teachers performed a dance depicting the Filipinos struggle for independence. Doves were released to symbolize freedom.

Mayor Cortes said the freedom we  enjoy today is  the product of the sacrifice of  heroes who died fighting against foreign invaders.

“We are free to do what we want, but we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.”

“Our heroes died with dignity.  Sila’y naghago, kita’y namu-po (They  strived for this, we  just harvested from  what they sowed)), so we must treasure it.”

For  12-year-old John Alfonso Abano, freedom in the Philippines is not complete.

The   grade six  pupil of  Opao Elementary School said there was still  corruption in government and Filipinos are not united.

Radaza meanwhile said Oponganons can find inspiration in Lapu-Lapu, the  first Filipino hero to resist a foreign invader, as the city  faces  challenges in bringing sustainable progress in the city.

Radaza  challenged people to remain steadfast and efficient, to be models of good faith and  to be brave like Datu Lapu-Lapu in leading the people to a better city.

“We must show  the entire nation the unity and pride of the Oponganons.” said Radaza. /Fe Marie D. Dumaboc and Norman Mendoza, Correspondent