The 116th Independence Day celebration in Dumaguete City yesterday was highlighted by a challenge of its guest speaker, Stacy Danika Alcantara, for the people to get out of their comfort zones and aim for change for a better life for them and their families.

Alcantara, known for many achievements on campus and now in the corporate world, and international relations, spoke to the participants in the June 12 celebration at the Quezon Park, Dumaguete.

She said change has been elusive and oftentimes impossible for so many years and the decision to go for change lies in every individual, who has to muster the courage to get out of their comfort zones.

“We are the only ones depriving ourselves of this change”, she said, noting that many people today are afraid to take great risks, to dream, to hope for a better future for the children.

Dumaguete Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria lauded Alcantara for what he called her “beautiful and powerful speech,” that he said inspires people to face the challenges and desire change for the better.

The celebration was marked by the pealing of bells, volley of gunfire, sounding of sirens, ecumenical prayers from three churches, and floral offerings by government agencies and groups at the foot of the monument of Jose Rizal.

It was able to gather more than P300,000 in cash donations and pledges, that the city will give to a pre-identified beneficiary or project.*JFP

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