When we celebrated the 115th anniversary of our independence last Wednesday, June 13th, history came alive for us again, from the now time-worn history books that we were required to read in school in earlier years. Fellow Cebu Daily News columnist Fernando Fajardo stresses it being the first, in answer to another newspaper columnist earlier reporting that the July 4th Independence Day we used to observe before June 12 was promulgated, would appropriately be the Second Philippine Independence Day when we were granted independence by the American Government after World War II. Now, for the younger generation that returns to school after the summer vacation, their studies in Philippine history should hopefully be more meaningful.
Wednesday morning, I watched on television the live coverage of the flag-raising ceremonies at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila, and was moved all over again by the huge Philippine flag raised on the towering flagpole in front of the grand Post Office building, to the mass singing of the Philippine National Anthem and two other patriotic songs, to a three-gun salute and the saluting and standing at attention by the military, and the crowd of visitors, all led by President Benigno Aquino III, the gentlemen dressed in barong tagalog and the ladies in traditional and modern versions of the Filipina costume Ecumenical prayers were delivered each by a Catholic, Christian, Muslim and member of a religious order.
As a media practitioner, having covered similar live broadcasts of special events on radio, I appreciated the competent and comprehensive live coverage by the lady and gentleman anchors, also appropriately dressed.
We learn from the press that Malacañang has invited visitors to the Palace on that day. While here in Cebu, City Hall published in the papers their Independence Day celebration with the whole day Kagawasan, with the theme, “Tampo alang sa halapad nga kalamboan.” These will be reported on later in the week in broadcast and press media.
Philippine Daily Inquirer last June 12th carried an interesting article titled “How Relevant is the Philippine Flag today?” that among others, reports on what is believed to be the original flag raised in Kawit, Cavite 115 years ago, and is in the custody of Emilio Aguinaldo Suntay III. Another interesting report regarding the Philippine national flag is the display by SM of giant flags on the floor in their various establishments: laid out in cacao or tablea in Cebu, in oyster shells in Pangasinan and in slippers in Tarlac!
Meanwhile, so much has been happening this busy week since this Bystander came out last Friday. On the political front, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile has quit as Senate President and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has taken over as Senate President Protempore until the 16th Congress convenes. While here in Cebu, newly elected Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella is pushing for the forthcoming Asia Pacific Economic Forum to be held in Cebu, to help promote the city to other developing countries in the world and bring economic growth to business establishments.
These, even as problems in the city continue to beset us with alarming shootings of police and even a traffic enforcer, all while during their duties and crooks getting bolder more often. Ironic that these should occur while a gun ban was on, only to be raised on Independence Day! Add to these problems, student safety now threatened by hazings and bullying.
In this connection, in our monthly second-Saturday-of-the month “Women’s Kapihan” which I host over Radio Station dyLA at 2 p.m. – 3 p.m., we discussed the K to 12 Basic Education Program implemented this year, with our panel consisting of Cebu Women’s Network officers, board members and regular members.
Among the positive factors discussed were the fact that pupils and students would now have more learning time to meet the demands of our modern, and even increasingly high-tech needs, with the inclusion of kindergarten sessions, six years of the basics, two years of junior high school, and a final three years of senior high. But this year the additional 2 years to an increased enrollment from transferees from private to public schools are a primary problem that some schools are coping with by having larger classes and even three class sections a day: morning, afternoon and evening.
This overloads now inadequately-paid teachers, many whom even need additional training sessions for them in the new K to 12 plan for competence; gives big classes less learning time, and entails additional expenses for schools, students and their parents. In addition, public schools are harassed by needs for more books, facilities, and even schoolrooms and schools. Thankfully in the city, some public-spirited business and private organizations are helping finance and donate school supplies to some fortunate schools, but that is generally inadequate for the whole system. It was a spirited discussion that the panelists discussed, who felt we should continue discussing the subject in next month’s Kapihan.
In another civic activity I am involved, our Cebu Council of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines will hold our Annual Culminating Activity with a Workshop on Ceremonies the whole day tomorrow at the El Salvador Beach resort in Barrio Sabang, Danao City. Will report on this next month.
For good news on the news front, some 1,600 inmates of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center had been treated to a special premier showing of the movie inspired by their lives and YouTube fame, in a choreographed dance-inspired, “Dance of the Steel Bars” which was filmed in the jail and directed by Cesar Apolinario. It has reportedly helped a lot in rehabilitating some 1,500 men and women inmates.
Now, for a couple of religious notes. Last Sunday’s Gospel reading in Church was on the Beatitudes, some of the most beautiful expressions of faith that we have in the Scriptures for us to listen to and learn. Then on Independence Day last Wednesday, a sermon at Mass dwelt on the subject of freedom with responsibility.
Until next week then, as always, may God continue to bless us, one and all!