ILOILO – Today is the 123rd anniversary of Philippine independence. How can Filipinos show patriotism in this time of pandemic?
For Iloilo’s Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Ilonggos can show love to the country by following the health protocols – wearing of facemasks, frequent hand washing and physical distancing, among others.
If all Ilonggos could fulfill this “duty”, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections in this province would dwindle and exhausted healthcare frontliners could rest.
Defensor said today’s Independence Day celebration should be dedicated to healthcare frontliners.
“Sila gid ang naga-atinder sa aton pasyente. We want independence from COVID-19 and dengue, among other diseases,” said Defensor.
Simple flag and wreath-laying ceremonies would be held at the historic Santa Barbara town today, to be followed by a cleanup drive and tree-planting activity.
The public plaza of Santa Barbara was site of the first raising of the Philippine flag outside Luzon on Nov. 17, 1898 five months after General Emilio Aguinaldo declared Philippine independence from Spain in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City would be celebrating Independence Day online.
“(Our freedom fighters) made it possible for us to live in a nation free from oppressors. It is our duty to make their efforts worthwhile,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas, pointing out that Philippine society has other ills that Filipinos must be freed from.
“Today, we (must) work very hard to achieve freedom from any type of discrimination, abuse, false information, hate speech, harassment, and even freedom from the effects of this pandemic,” he stressed.
ILONGGOS WEIGH IN ON INDEPENDENCE
Patriotism can be equated to being responsible, according to Ilonggos here.
“We’re still in prison,” Artifer Amaris, a resident of Iloilo City. “We could not go out independently and freely because of COVID-19.”
And what Ilonggos – and Filipinos – could offer to the country is “following health protocols,” he said.
“We are not free until this COVID-19 will totally stop. We are not free until we are not wearing masks and face shields anymore,” Amaris told Panay News.
Emily Decir of Barangay Salngan, Oton, Iloilo agreed with Amaris.
“To show patriotism, indi ka sagad sang lagaw,” Decir told Panay News. “Dira ka lang sa sulod sang balay mo, dyan ka lang tinir para indi ka pagtapikan sang COVID-19. Suksukon ang facemask and face shield kon maggwa man sa balay.”
Meanwhile, 70-year-old Rolando Magalonga of Mandurriao, Iloilo City said: “Stay at home just like what the government is enforcing.”
He also shared to Panay News that he’s always making sure his family members are wearing face protectors every time they go to work.
Magalonga also said he is sharing his “blessings” to those severely affected by the pandemic.
Rogelio Alminaza, 56, of Barangay Santo Niño Sur in Arevalo, on the other hand, emphasized obedience as one key to surviving these trying times.
“Kay ina indi lang man para sa aton kundi para sa tanan for the safety of everybody. Then aside from that, we have to keep safe always by following the protocols,” said Alminaza, a city hall job hire.
One way Ilonggos could also show patriotism is through educating others on the importance of following minimum public health standards./PN
