COUNCILOR MILLAN DELIVERS INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE

Today we commemorate the 111TH anniversary of the proclamation of our independence with the Theme: “Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan tungo sa tunay na Kalayaan. Maraming mga aganap o nangyari sa isang daan at labing isang taon and to mention a few liberation from centuries of Spanish rule, take-over by the American Government, the Japanese occupation, World War II, Insurgency Problems, Martial Law, Edsa Revolution, the 1987 Constitution, Impeachment Proceedings, ZTE Deal, Corruption Issues, Overpricing, Global Crisis, A (H1N1) Virus, Poll Automation of the 2010 Elections, Sex Scandals, the very controversial constitutional assembly (CON-ASS) lifting of term limits, left and right rallies, and many more.

Asa man ta padulong ani? What have we learned from the lessons of history? After all these years masasabi ba natin na tunay nga tayong Malaya? Or like the song “Impossible dream” we continue to search for that very elusive tunay na kalayaan. Daghan sa ato gabagutbot. Imbis na “Pilipinas Kong Mahal”, ingon nila “Pilipinas ang Mahal”. Mahal ang gasolina, mahal ang bugas, mahal ang edukasyon, halos mahal na tanan. We are quick to blame others, pero ang pangutana, Nagpakabana ba ta?

Are we better off today than 111 years ago? Some say YES, while others might say NO. We can debate for as long as we like but we can all be in agreement that much is still to be done to uplift the lives of the Filipinos and move our country forward. Independence is synonymous with freedom and with freedom comes responsibility. Ours is a government of laws and not of men. One’s freedom ends where the rights of others begin.

The 1987 constitution is very clear and specific. Ours is a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Authority emanates from them. We cannot remain passive and wait for another Dr. Jose Rizal or Andres Bonifacio to come. We can all be heroes in our own right, and in our small and unique ways.

The former president of the United States, the late John F. Kennedy once said: “Think not what your country can do for you. Think of what you can do for your country”. Now is the time to change. Change, we can. Bag-ohon nato ang atong mga kaugalingon and changing our society will follow. Love of God and of country we must at all times uphold. Huwag natin basta lang kantahin ang Lupang Hinirang at masdan an gating watawat na parang malayo ang tingin. Isapuso, isaisip, at isagawa natin ang kahulugan nito at proud nating isigaw sa buong mundo na tayo ay Pilipino.

From good followers come great leaders. Transparency and leadership by example leads to good governance. The voice of the people is the voice of God. And to those who have less in life should have more in law. United we stand, divided we fall. Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan ang susi sa tunay na kalayaan. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Tagum City padayon sa pag-uswag.