In line with the commemoration of the 126th Independence Day, leaders in the Caraga Region on Wednesday called for unity among Filipinos to attain genuine peace and development.
“Let us unite as one province as we continue pursuing our dreams. In all aspects of our lives, let us help one another to develop our communities and attain sustainable peace and development,” said Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers in a message.
Surigao City Mayor Pablo Yves Dumlao II and the Army’s 4th Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, also joined Barbers during the Independence Day commemoration in Surigao City.
In Surigao del Sur, Governor Alexander Pimentel called on his constituents to unite by working together to continue the gains on peace and development initiatives in the province, which has suffered from the decades-old communist insurgency.
“I am extending my warmest greetings to all Surigaonons and Filipinos across the nation as we celebrate the 126th Philippine Independence Day today. May this significant occasion serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our heroes and forefathers to secure our freedom,” Pimentel said.
Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane Jr., together with District Reps. Alfelito Bascug and Eddiebong Plaza, led the wreath-laying ceremony held at the Rizal Monument in Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center in Barangay Patin-ay, Prosperidad town.
“We earned our independence and freedom at the expense of the lives of our forefathers. Through the years, we have been confronted by challenges that tested our faith, courage and unity as one nation,” Cane said.
Filipinos, he said, have overcome the challenges, especially colonization, symbolizing the nation’s “courage, bravery, and unity.”
In Agusan del Norte, Gov. Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante and 2nd District Rep. Dale Corvera spearheaded the flag-raising ceremony at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Butuan City.
Various tribes in the province such as the Manobo, Mamanwa and Higaonon showcased presentations through traditional dances, music and songs during the event, which is also part of the weeklong celebration of the 57th founding anniversary of Agusan del Norte.
In the Province of Dinagat Islands, Gov. Nilo Demerey Jr. called on Dinagatnons to emulate the lives of the country’s national heroes, while valuing the sacrifices of the country’s new heroes – the Overseas Filipino Workers.
Kalayaan Jobs Fair
Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment in the Caraga Region (DOLE-13) opened the Kalayaan Jobs Fair in Butuan City with a total of 4,850 local and overseas jobs being offered by 57 employers. (PNA)