LU celebrates 114th Independence Day

By Esteleta M. Rafanan

Wednesday 13th of June 2012

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, June 13 (PIA) -- The provincial and the city government of La Union joined the nationwide celebration of the 114th National Independence Day, held infront of the city hall.

The ceremony was attended by the provincial and city government officials and department heads, the Association of Regional Executives (AREX), and the Union Lodge #70 of free and accepted Masons of the Philippines.

City Mayor Pablo Ortega led in the flag-raising followed by the wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument.

AREX President and Philippine Ports Authority Manager Silverio Mangaoang, Jr. also attended the wreath-laying, together with the officers and members of the AREX.

During the program, Mayor Ortega said on his welcome address that “whatever lessons we learn from the impeachment proceedings in our history, as land and people, should be put into use to move the Philippines forward, let us do our share, let us be a good citizen by obeying our laws, doing our duties like paying our taxes and let us remember most especially our previous debt of the nation, it was unity of the Filipino that helps us survive.”

Simultaneous flag-raising ceremonies were also held in different historical sites in the country as part of the celebration of the National Independence Day.

This year’s theme, “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan,” is focused on good governance, greater transparency, accountability, responsibility of the citizenry and the pursuit of the rule of law as a precondition for national development, which is one of the most important strategies of the Philippine Development Plan.

Department of Interior and Local Government 1 Director Corazon P. Guray, guest of honor and speaker, emphasized in her message the role of the local government units in support to the transparency and accountability program of the President, emphasizing on the “Seal of Good Housekeeping and Disclosure Policy.”

On the other hand, a job fair led by the Department of Labor and Employment was conducted at the City Mall in Barangay Biday, this city. More than 2,680 jobs for both local and overseas employment were offered to jobseekers.

Different line agencies also set up their respective booths to serve the general public who wants to avail of their services. (ANL/EMR-PIA 1 La Union)