BONTOC, Mountain Province – Mountain Province commemorated the 127th Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2025, by bringing together local leaders, government officials, veterans, and citizens.
The commemoration was held through a civic-military parade and a commemorative program at the Gov. Leonard G. Mayaen Sports Center where Mountain Province leaders and the guest of honor and speaker delivered their messages, emphasizing unity and highlighting the theme, “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan” (Freedom, Future, and History).
On unity and kinabukasan, Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. urged the participants to work with each other in unity as a means to achieve a better Mountain Province for the future.
“In the spirit of our celebration today, I call on every province resident to come together and work as one. Let us remember that we are stronger when we cooperate and help each other. May this Independence Day be a reminder that we are one people, one community and one nation. Our dreams for a better Mountain Province could only be achieved if we build it together,” he said.
Vice Governor Francis O. Tauli supported the governor’s call for unity, saying, “Let us then continue to work together in building a better, more inclusive, and more empowered province in particular and country in general just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.”
On “Kalayaan”, Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr., represented by Political Affairs Chief Erlindo O. Agwiling, explained that it is the fundamental concept of celebrating the Philippine independence, which is the turning point in the Philippine Revolution and the nation’s struggle for independence from Spanish colonial control and the atrocities that had been occurring since Ferdinand Magellan’s arrival in 1531.
Regarding “kasaysayan,” Guest of Honor and Speaker Paulo P. Pagteilan, the president of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines–Mountain Province District, highlighted the vital roles played by Filipino heroes like Lapu-Lapu, Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and the Igorot warriors, whose bravery and heroism during the Philippine-American War and World War II were instrumental in the country’s pursuit for independence.
Meanwhile, other highlights of the commemoration were the Pagpupugay sa Watawat led by Bontoc Masonic Lodge No. 140 member Rush A. Tarnate, reading of the Proclamation of Independence Day by Education Program Supervisor Howard P. Poking from the Department of Education – Schools District of Mountain Province, and the welcome address of Mayor Jerome B. Tudlong, Jr., who greeted the participants with gratitude and emphasized that love for country and deep faith in the Filipino people are what gave the Filipino heroes strength to fight for independence. By MP-PIO
