Acting Gov. Barba lauds national government on Freedom Day

By Cherry Joy Discaya-Garma

LAOAG CITY, June 12 (PIA) – Vice Gov. Angelo Marcos Barba of Ilocos Norte lauded the present Duterte administration for maintaining and preserving peace and order in the country, amid the challenges it is currently facing.

Barba, the acting governor in the absence of Gov. Imee Marcos who is on-leave, spoke during the province’s commemoration of the 119th Philippine Independence Day on June 12.

“Together with the millions of fellow Filipinos, we remain steadfast in our belief that our country is finally back on track and should never be dismembered,” Barba said.

According to Barba, with the present national leadership, there is more significance in celebrating the independence of the Philippines, not only the usual parade and flag waving.

“The government is vigorously pursuing the path of peace to show the willingness of our national leadership to preserve this order at all cost,” said Barba.

Barba added that not only that the national government is doing great in its policy implementation but with its vibrant partnership with the local government units which is a sign of true freedom.

“We celebrate the truth of being free, the brightness of our country’s progress and development and the renewed hope that have remained dormant in decade, likewise the synergy that we find existing between the national leadership and the county’s local government unit, Ilocos Norte included,” Barba added.

To continue living with peace, Barba urged fellow Filipinos to observe the underlying responsibilities of being free from the foreign rule for over three decades now.

He said that each Filipino should follow the rule of laws, respect authority, and teach the children good manners and right conduct.

He also encouraged everyone to recognize and appreciate the need to work for the common good, to safeguard the environment, and to respect the rights of fellow individual as these can lead to a bright future and key to maintaining peace and order.

In the end, Barba also urged fellow government workers to continue their zest and courtesy in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

“The welfare of our good constituents must be well and above our priority to serve as sterling exercise of righteous living in our respective communities,” he added.

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) joined the nation in celebrating the 119th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippine Independence Day with the theme “Pambansang Pagbabago Sama- samang Balikatin.”

The activity was highlighted by the flag raising made of ‘Abel Iloco’ cloth, wreath- laying rites at the Dr. Jose P. Rizal monument and a 21-gun salute.

It was well- attended by provincial officials, mayors of the different municipalities of the province, and national government agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, and surviving war veterans. (Cherry Joy Discaya-Garma/PIA-1, Ilocos Norte)

Watch the video of the 119th Independence Day celebration held in front of the Ilocos Norte provincial capitol here.