Zamboanga City honored the courage and sacrifices of Filipino heroes who fought for the nation’s freedom as the city government led the commemoration of the 128th Independence Day at the City Hall grounds Friday, June 12.

Themed “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan,” the celebration highlighted the enduring legacy of the country’s heroes and their contributions in securing independence from Spanish colonial rule, while reminding Filipinos of their responsibility to uphold the values of patriotism, resilience, and service.

In his message, Mayor Khymer Olaso urged Zamboangueños to embody the ideals demonstrated by the nation’s heroes, emphasizing love for country, courage, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

He said these values can be sustained through investing in the youth, strengthening community participation, and advancing key development initiatives for the city.

The program began at 7 a.m. with a prayer, the singing of the national anthem, the presentation of the essence of the Philippine flag, the singing of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival song, and the wreath-laying ceremony at Plaza Rizal in honor of the country’s heroes.

The annual observance commemorates the historic declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, marking the country’s liberation from Spanish colonial rule.

Joining the celebration were members of the City Council, Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary Celso Lobregat, City Administrator Percival Ramos, representatives from the Police Regional Office (PRO9), Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-9), Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), Veterans Federation of the Philippines – Sons and Daughters Association Inc. (VFP-SDAI), Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), Bureau of Jail and Management and Penology (BJMP-9), national government agencies, the academe, city departments, private institutions, and other stakeholders. (Arvin Midel) (photo credits: Kathy Wee Sit)