The sacrifices, sweat, and blood of heroes who fought for the country 114 years ago and the unsung heroes of today must always be remembered, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr., said yesterday at the celebration of Philippine Independence Day at the Capitol Lagoon Park in Bacolod City.

Marañon also asked all Negrenses to include President Benigno Aquino III in their prayers for him to be steadfast in his work and to have the political will to change and continue on the right path.

“If we minimize graft and corruption in the country, we will not suffer any degradation and we can improve the gap of the rich and the poor,” Marañon said.

The governor also said teachers working in far-flung and isolated places in the country, and the Filipinos working abroad, are the unsung heroes because they have sacrificed a lot for the country and for their families.

Their hardships and loneliness are big sacrifices for them to help their families and the country, he added.

“I am proud to be here today for it was Negros that declared the first republic of the country,” Marañon also said.

The governor also said the province is trying to work hard and make Negros Occidental sufficient in food and to make all Negrosanons healthy.

Marañon also thanked the army, the police officers, the civil servants, and the provincial employees for their cooperation, dedication in their service to the government and for making the province the Negros First.

People must also recognize the efforts of those working in and for the government and not just criticize, the governor added.

Meanwhile, Marañon also turned over P500,000 to the Girl Scouts of the Philippines-Negros Occidental represented by Ruby Velez, GSP council president, for the repair of the Girl Scout headquarters.

The University of St. La Salle-Bacolod Maskara Theatre Ensemble presented a tableau of the evolution of the Philippine flag and the Negros Occidental High School C.A.T. Ceremonial Troop led in the pass-in-review.

Present at the celebration were NOHS teachers, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Philippine Coast Guard, 303rd Brigade Philippine Army, Department of Foreign Affairs, Bureau of Fire Protection, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Department of Education, Civil Service Commission, Department of Interior and Local Government, Commission on Audit, Veterans Federation of the Philippines, Philippine Information Agency, 303rd Brigade Philippine Army, and Provincial Alliance of Capitol Employees.*LTG

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