ANGELES CITY — “I appeal to each and every one of our fellow-Angelenos and countrymen, let us not be overwhelmed with the big challenges and feeling of uncertainty that are confronting us. Instead let us continue working together in prioritizing the health and safety of one another.”
Thus spoke Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. at the city government’s simple celebration of the 124th Independence Day on Sunday at the Museo ng Kasaysayang Panlipunan ng Pilipinas, repeatedly highlighting the sacrifices of all frontliners in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Sa simpleng pagsuot ng face mask at pagsunod ng mga regulasyon nakakatulong po tayo sa pagpapanatili ng kaligtasan ng bawat isa,” Lazatin reminded everyone.
The mayor also shared the efforts of the city government in thanking these frontliners, such as the salary increase of the nurses and midwives in the face of the pandemic: “Still, we can never thank these people enough. Their heroics are proof that there are other ways to contribute to community building.”
He furthered that they have served as a vital instrument in fighting the virus, and protecting all Angeleños: “They showed us that small but concrete actions contribute to community building.”
Only last June 9, Lazatin also raised the monthly honoraria of 150 city health volunteers comprising 50 barangay health workers, 50 barangay nutrition scholars, and 50 barangay population officers starting July 1.
Anneleen Antonio-Sugui, city tourism officer-in-charge, noted that the city government is giving full support in enriching both Kapampangan and Filipino history and culture.
Philippine flags were installed as early as May 25 inside the premises of the city hall compound and its off-site offices. This is also a part of the city’s participation in the National Historical Commission of the Philippines “Salute to a Clean Flag” movement.
The Abacan Bridge was also filled with Independence Day lanterns installed by the city engineering office led by Engineer Donato Dizon.
Present during the Independence Day rites were the NHCP commissioner Dr. Lino Dizon, Vice Mayor Ma. Vicenta Vega-Cabigting, Police Regional Office 3 deputy director for administration Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, Clark International Airport Corp. vice president IC Calaguas, city fire director Chief Inspector Errick S Derro, city police director Col. Diosdado Fabian, city councilors Joan Crystal Aguas, Marino Bañola, Dan Lacson, Raco Del Rosario, other city officials, and representatives of cultural organizations.
The Angeles University Foundation Performing Arts’ Concert Chorus and Dance Troupe dedicated performance numbers for the celebration. The Concert Chorus boys sang the Philippine National Anthem. This is led and arranged by Boron Garcia and Rommel Guina.
