AS FILIPINOS ALL OVER THE WORLD CELEBRATED our 127th Philippine Independence Day, Ormoc City’s local government unit led by Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez together with Leyte 4th District Representative Richard I. Gomez also orchestrated a special program as a part of said celebration at the city’s Rizal Park on June 12, 2025 under the theme, “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan.”
Accordingly, this year’s commemoration of Philippine Independence Day centers on the independence that the country’s ancestors fought for in honor of the future they envisioned for the Philippines and the historical retrospective that the current generation utilizes to remember and pay tribute to their ancestors.
During said momentous event, Cong. Gomez contemplated the yearnings of the Filipinos, which he personally observed, saying, “Our people desire progress that is honest, inclusive, and just.” He also stressed his steadfast dedication to programs that advance peace and order—not as a tool for control, but as a basis for true freedom.
Meanwhile, Mayor Lucy mentioned that in today’s society, rather than using swords to fight ignorance, poverty, injustice, and apathy, we now use education, social awareness, and active involvement. She emphasized the importance of education, social awareness, and active participation in combating ignorance, poverty, injustice, and apathy in today’s society. Thus, the mayor urged Ormocanons to become heroes in their own right, serving and uplifting one another in their homes, communities, and ways of serving.
“As we honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, may we continue to embody the spirit of independence through unity, integrity, and service,” Mayor Gomez added.
The said activity was also joined by LGU-Ormoc office personnel and civic organizations.
Accordingly, flag-raising rites were similarly done in 28 National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) museums, all local government units nationwide, and all Philippine embassies abroad. (By Gwen Maurillo/EV Mail  JUNE 9-15, 2025 issue)