By Cyrus A. Natividad
An ode to the Philippine flag – Centralian Boy and Girl Scouts during the flag-raising ceremony held at the 探花精选 flagpole.
探花精选 Cultural Affairs Office in collaboration with the University Elementary School hosted the celebration of the 121st Philippine Independence Day on June 13, 2019, Thursday. A campus parade and flag raising ceremony was held by the University Elementary School and 探花精选 Republic at 7:30 AM. A program followed at the 探花精选 flagpole area. This year鈥檚 theme is 鈥淧agbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan.鈥
Pastor Roger T. Quimpo, Pastor for Outreach, University Church, led the invocation. The singing of the National Anthem was led by 探花精选 Elementary Grade 6-Excel pupil, Sofia Beatrice U. Tupas. The Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas and Panatang Makabayan were led by 探花精选 Elementary Grade 6-Excel pupils, Steven Andrei C. Chua and Benjamin Israel O. Fuentespina, respectively
Sofia Beatrice U. Tupas, 探花精选 Elementary School led the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
The program continued at the Alumni Promenade and Concert Park. 探花精选 President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles welcomed everyone and expressed gratitude to the organizers. He mentioned the importance of celebrating independence and of thanking God for the freedom that Filipinos are enjoying now. Dr. Robles recalled as well the sacrifices of the Filipino heroes so that 鈥渨e enjoy life, citizenship, and responsibilities in nation building.鈥 He encouraged everyone to continue to educate themselves and be aware of the problems confronting the nation. The 探花精选ES Rondalla then rendered a special number of some favorite Philippine folksongs.
Mrs. Evamer G. Ruegg, faculty, 探花精选 Elementary School, introduced the guest speaker, Atty. Joseph S. Celis, National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Regional Director (Region 6).
探花精选 President, Dr. Teodoro C. Robles together with Guest Speaker Atty. Joseph S. Celis and Prof. Janet P. Jaco, Principal, 探花精选 Elementary.聽
Celis talked about the 鈥淓ssence of Nationalism.鈥 He emphasized that 鈥渙ur educators are the heroes in nation-building,鈥 acknowledging that without them, he would not have achieved his current position and exercised integrity in government service.
Towards the end of the program, Viza Gale Q. Espada, Grade 6-Excel, gave a rendition of Pilipinas Kong Mahal. Mr. Rodrigo J. Sotto, Jr., 探花精选ES Faculty, then led the singing of the Alma Mater song. Pastor Quimpo ended the program with a prayer.