MALOLOS CITY — Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando on Friday called on Filipinos to unite amid ongoing political noise in the country, stressing the need to refocus government priorities on vulnerable sectors.

Fernando made the appeal during the commemoration of the 128th Anniversary of Philippine Independence held at the historic Barasoain Church on June 12.

“Habang tayo ay nagtatalakayan at madalas ay nagkakaroon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan, may mga pamilyang nangangailangan ng hanap-buhay. May mga kabataang nangangarap ng mas maayos na edukasyon. May mga magsasaka at mangingisdang umaasa sa tulong at pagkakataon. May mga pamayanang nangangailangan ng mas matatag na proteksiyon laban sa sakuna at mga hamon ng panahon (While we engage in discussions and often encounter disagreements, there are families in need of livelihood. There are young people dreaming of better education. There are farmers and fisherfolk hoping for support and opportunities. There are communities that require stronger protection against disasters and the challenges of our times),” Fernando said.

He emphasized that while democracy allows differing views, it also requires unity for a broader national purpose.

“It’s true that democracy gives us the freedom to have different opinions. But more than that, it demands the ability to unite for a greater purpose beyond oneself. This is the goal of a truly free country,” he added.

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Commissioner Dr. Francis M. Navarro said in his message that the struggle for freedom did not end with independence and continues across generations.

“Madalas nating iniisip na ang pakikibaka para sa kalayaan ay nagtapos noong makamit natin ang ating kasarinlan. Ngunit ipinakikita ng ating kasaysayan na ang kalayaan ay hindi isang huling destinasyon — ito ay isang patuloy na paninilbihan (We often think that the struggle for freedom ended when we achieved our independence. But our history shows that freedom is not a final destination — it is a continuing service,” Navarro said.

He added that freedom should be viewed not only as heritage but as an ongoing responsibility.

“The story of the Philippines is not over yet. We are the inheritors of our ancestors’ dreams, and we are also the authors of the next chapters,” he said.

Navarro also led wreath-laying rites at the monument of General Emilio Aguinaldo, joined by local officials including Fernando, Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, Malolos Mayor Christian D. Natividad, and Vice Mayor Gilbert T. Gatchalian.

Fernando also paid tribute to Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia, a young basketball player from Agusan del Sur who died in a drowning incident in Aurora province on June 8. He said the athlete’s dedication and sacrifices serve as inspiration for the youth.

“Saksi tayong lahat sa kuwento ng isang kabataan, ang Davao Eagle na si Rene Baterbonia. Isang kabataang binawian ng buhay habang nasa gitna ng pagsasanay patungo sa kaniyang pangarap. Isang kabataan na ang tanging nais ay maging isang mahusay na atleta, sa isang larong malapit sa puso ng bawat Pilipino. At sa pamamagitan noon ay mahango ang kaniyang pamilya sa kahirapan.”

“May he rest in peace, but we pray that the dream he carried continues to live in the hearts of our young citizens,” Fernando said.