(Outgoing Samal, Bataan Mayor Gene Dela Fuente administers oath to Vice Mayor Aida Macalinao, incoming mayor, while Congresswoman Geraldine Roman looks on during the town’s celebration of the 121st Independence Day. Photo by Ernie Esconde)
SAMAL, Bataan — This agricultural town on Wednesday joined the nation in commemorating the 121st Independence Day in simple but festive activities.
Mayor Gene Malibiran led the laying of wreath at the foot of the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal after different flags were paraded to show the evolution of the Philippine flag.
Various groups then marched from the town plaza to the covered court at the public market carrying and waving small flags.
A group of students presented a skit on the fight of Filipinos for independence.
Balloons colored blue, red, white and yellow and doves were later released into the air.
Malibiran administered oath to four out of eight newly-elected members of the Sangguniang Bayan and to the incoming mayor of the town.
Those who took oath were SB members Erbal Flores, Emelito Villanueva, Amy Dela Rosa and Ronald Ortiguerra while the incoming mayor is Vice Mayor Aida Macalinao.
They will assume their post on June 28, 2019. They all belong to the same political party.
Rep. Geraldine Roman of the province’s first district in her speech said she was always asking herself who our present enemy is after gaining independence.
“Kapag nakikita kong walang disiplina ang ating mga kababayan ay nahihiya akong aminin na ang ating matinding kalaban sa kasalukuyang panahon ay ang ating mga sarili,” the lawmaker said.
She urged everyone not only to think of one’s self but to be concerned of others.
