MikeLigalig.com

By Joe Espiritu
Columnist
Bohol Sunday Post

After more than a century of celebrating Independence Day, last anniversary of the declaration of freedom was not only austere but also mistimed. Austerity and simplicity of the celebration could be justified. Inflation, high prices of basic commodities triggered by the rise in oil prices made it necessary for us to skimp. It is acceptable to dispense of elaborate preparations for the celebration for now.

However, the celebration must not be moved just because of holiday economics.

Industrialized countries do practice holiday economics. Holidays falling on the middle of the week are transferred to the nearest Monday. Thus they have what they call long weekends. However, such holidays of most importance like Christmas, New Year, Holy Week and Independence Day are celebrated exactly on the day the fall. It does not matter whether the celebrator opts for a simple or elaborate observation as long as it is observed exactly on time. Hopefully, Independence Day next year will be exempted from holiday economics.

Some years after liberation, we celebrated our Independence Days on the fourth of July. That was when the United States of America allowed us to become a sovereign nation. History says that after centuries of Spanish domination, several provinces of the Philippines revolted. In the penultimate decade of the nineteenth century, on June 12 General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed Philippines to be independent of the Spanish rule. After that the infant republic became a victim of international politics.

After several battles, the Spanish were losing the Philippines to the rebels. She sold the Philippines to the United States for twenty million dollars if our memory serves us right. The eyes of the world, America owned the Philippines by the right of purchase. The rebels, patriots to the Filipinos, were labeled insurrectionists by America and the world.

Although America owned the Philippines by the right of purchase and conquest, the ruling party in the US during those tines were isolationist who allowed the Philippines to be free, on July 12, 1944. Several; years after the liberation, Pres Diosdado Macapagal restored June 12 as our Independence Day.

Jagna followed the decree of the President to keep Independence Day celebration simple. Flag ceremonies were held in all barangays seven in the morning or thereabouts. After that everyone is free to do what he wishes. Some returned to their daily pursuit of earning a living. Some decided to call it a day to relax.

However, the barangay officials of Canjulao decided to celebrate the event.

Under the leadership of barangay captain Florentino Yap, barangay officials from the council to the SKs, tanods and BHWs decided to call the day a barangay day and hold some sort of celebration. All barangay personnel brought foods, bought drinks and held contests. Barangay constituents were invited to join. Games like tug of war, sack race and others were held.

The oldest basketball player was Kagawad Melquiades Abrea. Despite his age he was still able to heave a ball. However, we took precautions to buy Salonpas for him. We still do not trust the touted herbals advertised over the local radio. He might go to Matapay. Barangay captain Tony Yap said the council might call June 12 a Barangay Day for Canjulao so they can celebrate Independence Day. Well and good. He might set a trend, which may be followed by every barangay in Jagna.

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