What does Independence Day mean to you? Do we still need to celebrate it?
Celebrating Independence Day is commemorating our gaining of freedom. It is also a reminder that we Filipinos should stay strong no matter how many storms may pass.
As long as we stay positive and we look forward to something good, we may achieve what we desire just like how we achieved our long-yearned independence. So yes, we need to celebrate Independence Day. – SARAH JO ANIMAS, tutor, Iloilo City
Independence Day is a reminder. We are free to be and to become.
It is also a call to protect freedom even as we exercise it with responsibility. Yes, we should celebrate it. – ROILO VINCENT LAGUNA, information officer III, Commission on Population Region 6
Independence Day celebrates Filipino freedom from subjugation. Yes, we need to commemorate the day we gained our freedom. – ANGELIE MANA-AY, Pharmacy student, University of San Agustin
Definitely, we have to celebrate Independence Day and honor the individuals who fought for our sovereignty and died for the freedom we are enjoying today. – VIC CALOCAR, Broadcasting graduate, Janiuay, Iloilo
The freedom we have right now is because of the heroes who selflessly fought for our independence. Independence Day for me is commemorating the courageous acts of our forefathers. This is also a reminder for us to value democracy. – ZARA MAY HERIA, former teacher, Iloilo Scholastic Academy
Independence Day is a reminder that once our country was colonized. But because of the love of our heroes to our motherland they fought for our freedom. We must celebrate this. – JERIC CABRERA, Engineering student, Iloilo Science and Technology University
We really need to celebrate Independence Day. Our young citizens should know the story of how we were able to obtain the freedom that we enjoy today. – CARL NARIDA, 19, Journalism student, West Visayas State University
Independence Day is a celebration of our country’s freedom. It is also a reminder that many Filipinos died for the country’s freedom. We should value our independence. – CELINA BARREDO, self-employed, Cadiz City
Independence Day is our way of celebrating our liberty from the conquerors of our land. I truly value this significant event in our history. Our ancestors shed sweat and blood so we could enjoy freedom. – APRIL GRACE PADILLA, 20, Journalism student, West Visayas State University
We Filipinos enjoy freedom. We should celebrate it and remember the time when there was no freedom. – MARY JOY ESPINOSA, overseas Filipino worker, Singapore
We should celebrate Independence Day as an appreciation for our heroes who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. – WILMAREN PESCUELA, 20, college student, West Visayas State University – Pototan Campus
Although the country is still struggling to develop, Independence Day is a reminder that the Philippines is still in a better state. We have our freedom and we are free from external control and that’s enough reason to celebrate. – EVELYN NUNIEZA, overseas Filipino worker, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
(Compiled by Jimboy Dionela and Christine Lorraine Gallo, interns, West Visayas State University – College of Communication)
