ILIGAN City — Mayor Frederick W. Siao joined Iliganons in commemorating the 128th National Flag Day, using the occasion to urge patriotism, unity, and collective responsibility in tackling the city’s long-standing challenges.
Aligned with the national theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” (Freedom, Future, History), the observance featured a solemn retirement ceremony for worn and faded Philippine flags before the hoisting of a new one.
Siao described the symbolic act as a reflection of resilience, renewal, and the city's ability to rise with dignity despite ongoing adversity.
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“This celebration is more than a ceremony," Mayor Siao said. "It is a wake-up call for every Filipino to remember our history, value our freedom, and work together for a better future.”
Inherited challenges and critical reforms
In his address, Siao openly acknowledged the public criticisms and resistance his administration faces while pursuing sweeping reforms. He cited heavy, inherited issues requiring decisive action, including:
Infrastructure & Utilities: Persistent water service interruptions through the Iligan City Waterworks System (ICWS) and structural concerns at the Palao Market.
Environmental Management: Critical garbage management bottlenecks and recurring city-wide flooding.
“Change is never easy, and meaningful reforms often face resistance,” Siao stated. “But we remain committed to solving these problems steadily and responsibly because we can no longer afford to ignore them.”
Unity and patriotism beyond ceremony
Vice Mayor Ernest Oliver Uy echoed the call for solidarity, reminding attendees that true patriotism is reflected through honesty, discipline, and respect for the law.
"As Filipinos, aduna kita'y kusog nga walay makapildi kung kita maghiusa (we have an unbeatable strength when we unite)," Uy said.
Meanwhile, Iligan City Police Director Colonel Mario M. Baquiran Jr. stressed the importance of institutionalizing flag respect, especially among the youth.
Baquiran noted that police personnel have been conducting school lecture series to combat what has been observed as a declining sense of nationalism and flag respect among students.
The Flag Day event kicks off a massive "triple celebration" month for Iligan City, which includes National Flag Day and National Heritage Month on May 28, the 128th Independence Day on June 12, and the 76th *Adlaw sa Iligan* on June 16.
