MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (PIA)—To avoid drawing crowds that may lead to the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Bukidnon province had a simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies that took place at 7:00 a.m. today in all 22 local government units (LGU’s) of the province, in commemoration of the country’s 122nd Independence Day.
The celebration, which has been traditionally highlighted by some unique tributes to the country’s heroes such as 21-gun salute; floats depicting the history of Philippine Independence; patriotic speeches and parades augmented by government service caravans; exhibitions and other performances from Department of Education and Armed Forces of the Philippines were crossed out due to COVID-19 crisis.
However, in Malaybalay, the capital city of Bukidnon, a simple ‘Flag caravan and Salute to the flag’ highlighted the 122nd Philippine Independence commemoration to preserve the patriotic spirit and raise Bukidnon’s appreciation of the symbolic essence of the Philippine flag.
With the theme “Kalayaan 2020: Tungo sa Bansang Malaya, Nagbabayanihan, at Ligtas,” the celebration started with a convoy of more than 30 flag-bearing four-wheeled vehicles from both north and south points of the city at 7:00 a.m. of June 12. The cars fluttered standard-sized flags along the way.
Upon the synchronized arrival of the caravan at Ereccion del Pueblo in Plaza Rizal, the Philippine National Police halyard pullers swiftly marched to the flagpole and raised the flag while singing the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” witnessed by less than a dozen of facemask-wearing city government officials and flag-wavers who also observed health and safety protocols of the community quarantine.
To reminisce historical events and honor the country’s heroes who fought for freedom and liberty, the city government officials led by vice-mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran offered floral bouquets at the Rizal Shrine.
The sounding of sirens and blowing of horns by the Bureau of Fire Protection capped the commemoration rites. (RLRB/PIA Bukidnon)
