By Mary Angelica Amerkhan
Correspondent,
and Eman Pangcatan,
Princess Haynee B. Pangcatan
MSU Interns

CIVIC unity, patriotism, and historical reflection took center stage as Cagayan de Oro marked the 127th Philippine Independence Day with ceremonies held at Jr. Borja and Kiosko Kagawasan Park yesterday, June 12.

Vice Mayor Jocelyn Bebot Rodriguez and City Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas led the commemoration, joined by officials from the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division, Bureau of Fire Protection, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, national and local agencies, barangay councils, civic groups, and private organizations.

The program opened with a Philippine Flag Caravan from Gaston Park to the main venue, followed by the ceremonial flag raising with full military honors, a 21-gun salute, an interfaith prayer, and a mass wreath-laying ceremony. These symbolic acts were presented as affirmations of national identity and shared responsibility.

THREE STARS AND THE SUN. Participants from various sectors carry a large Philippine flag through downtown Cagayan de Oro during the Flag Caravan yesterday, June 12, as part of the city’s 127th Independence Day celebration. The symbolic march reflected unity and patriotism across diverse community groups. Photo by Eman Pangcatan, MSU Intern

Delivering the city’s Independence Day message on behalf of Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy, who was preparing for the State of the City Address, Cabanlas emphasized the enduring need for national unity and civic participation.

He posed a rhetorical question to attendees: “127 years later, what happened to our nation?”

Cabanlas acknowledged challenges the country faces in terms of economic growth compared to regional neighbors like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, but expressed optimism, particularly in the youth.

“We have one nation, we have one country. We have seen hope in the face of the youth and that can be seen in the last election,” he said.

INDEPENDENCE DAY. Cagayan de Oro City Councilr Edgar Cabanlas leads the commemoration of the 127th Independence Day in lieu of City Mayor Rolando Uy yesterday, June 12. Photo by Eman Pangcatan, MSU Intern

Vice Mayor Rodriguez also reflected on the broader meaning of independence, saying, “Freedom, however, does not end with declaration.”

She highlighted the city's resilience and the continuing role of the community in shaping its future through shared responsibility and historical awareness.

“Let us shape our future where freedom works,” she said.

The event was guided by the national theme, Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan (Freedom, Future, History), anchoring the program in both remembrance and present-day relevance.

City Administrator Atty. Roy Raagas, whose office led the organizing committee, estimated that between 1,000 and 2,000 participants from various sectors attended the event.

KALAYAAN 2025. City officials and uniformed personnel share in a patriotic moment during the 127th Independence Day celebration at Kiosko Kagawasan in Cagayan de Oro City yesterday, June 12. The event featured a table of puto arranged and colored to resemble the Philippine flag, symbolizing national pride and unity. Photo by Eman Pangcatan, MSU Intern

He expressed gratitude for the smooth execution of the celebration and underscored its unifying effect.

“Pag-igihan natin all our efforts in whatever responsibilities we have to contribute not only to the development of our city but also to nation-building,” Raagas said.

The celebration concluded with a performance of the “Cagayan de Oro March” by the city chorale, the unveiling of a table of puto colored to resemble the Philippine flag, and an executive wreath-laying ceremony participated in by delegates from various agencies and civic groups.

One of the event’s emcees, Christer Kim Enobio, captured the spirit of the day: “This is a day where people from different backgrounds, sharing one motherland, come together in unity.”