By Carla N. Cañet

Young athlete Brianna Nikola Ang, Team Captain of Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts, served as the guest speaker during the 128th Philippine Independence Day celebration held by the City Government of Bacolod at the Bacolod City Government Center on June 12, 2026.

She highlighted that the celebration reminds us of the tremendous sacrifices and bravery of our heroes in achieving the freedom we enjoy today.

We often associate freedom with fighting with swords and guns, but as an athlete and a young person, I have learned that the true spirit of freedom can also be found in our perseverance, unity, and refusal to give up in the face of any challenge.

As the captain of a volleyball team and a participant in various leagues and the Palarong Pambansa, I have seen that success is never achieved alone.

Just like in our history, victory results from rigorous training, discipline, trust in each other, and a firm resolve never to surrender, no matter how tough the struggle.

On the court, every point is earned through hard work; similarly, in building our nation, every step toward progress demands our full cooperation.

Freedom is not just a right—it is also a significant responsibility. As young members of society, our duty is to keep the Filipino spirit alive.

We can do this through our studies, respect for the law, willingness to help others, and using our talents and abilities for the betterment of our city and country.

Our heroes sacrificed their lives so that we could be free. Today, the challenge before us is this: How will we use that freedom?
Let’s use it to be good examples, to unite, and to work together so Bacolod and the entire Philippines can continue to prosper and progress.

Once again, Happy 128th Independence Day to all of us. May our love for our country continue to shine brightly. Mabuhay ang Bacolod City. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.

📹 Nico Delfin/Bacolod City Communications Office