12/06/2026
VP Sara Leads Davao City's 128th Independence Day Celebration; Mayor Baste Calls for Defense of Freedom and Sovereignty
DAVAO CITY — Vice President Sara Duterte joined Davao City officials, uniformed personnel, and residents in commemorating the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence during ceremonies held Friday morning, June 12, at Quezon Park and Rizal Park in Davao City.
The program opened with a flag-raising ceremony and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem at Quezon Park, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park led by the Vice President.
Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte's welcome message was delivered by Vice Mayor Rodrigo "Rigo" Duterte II, who represented the city mayor during the commemoration.
In his message, Mayor Duterte paid tribute to the courage, patriotism, and sacrifices of Filipino heroes whose struggle for independence laid the foundation for the freedoms enjoyed by Filipinos today.
He emphasized that amid the country's current political landscape, citizens share the responsibility of safeguarding freedom and preserving national sovereignty.
"Amid our current political landscape, it is our collective responsibility to safeguard the freedom of our citizens and preserve the sovereignty of our state," the mayor's message stated.
The mayor also urged Filipinos to remain steadfast against forces that seek to weaken democratic values, undermine citizens' rights, and threaten the foundations of liberty.
Drawing parallels between the country's heroes and present-day challenges, Duterte said that while the nation's forebears fought for independence using "pens, bolos, and muskets," today's generation is called upon to defend freedom through education, social responsibility, good governance, and empowered citizenship.
The celebration carried this year's theme, "Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan," underscoring the importance of learning from the nation's past while protecting its liberties and investing in its future.
Vice President Duterte later delivered the keynote message for the occasion before participants joined in singing "Tayo'y Dabawenyo," followed by a photo opportunity and the offering of flowers at the Rizal Monument.
The Independence Day commemoration concluded with city officials calling on Dabawenyos to uphold patriotism, unity, and civic responsibility as the nation continues to face contemporary challenges while preserving the freedoms won through the sacrifices of its heroes.