The Local Government Unit of Calamba, Misamis Occidental joins the nation in celebration of the 109th anniversary of the proclamation of the Philippines Independence day held June 12, 2007 with the theme “Sama-Sama Tayo Tungo sa Pag-asenso”. It is a nationwide celebration were all the Local/Provincial  and National  Government Units all over the Philippines simultaneous celebrating the 109th Philippine Independence Day spearheaded by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Luneta Park in Manila.

    The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged all the Local Government Units to celebrate the 109th Philippine Independence Day and this celebration was mandated by a memorandum circular issued by DILG Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno to celebrate this year’s Freedom Day and make it memorable by doing activities/programs that would remind Filipinos especially the young generation how we earned our independence from the foreign rules.

    This is also the day of recalling how we attained our freedom because of the sacrifices of our ancestors who died and sacrifice their selves for us to achieve our independence. The freedom that the Filipinos still enjoying until this day.  

    The celebration started with the flag raising spearheaded by the Municipal Mayor Dr. Luisito B. Villanueva, Jr. and mass singing of the Calamba March as early as 7 o’clock in the morning then followed by a parade of the various organization. After the parade all the participants and guests proceed to Don Mateo Matunog Gymnasium for the program proper.  

    Municipal Mayor Dr. Luisito B. Villanueva, Jr. in his welcome address said that “the independence is not only about freeing the Filipinos from the foreign rules but also freeing the Filipinos from poverty through helping our economy increase by encouraging foreign investors. Our foreign investors are the one who made our investments increased and for that more job opportunities for the Filipinos which then later will help their family to have a decent life and free from poverty. We should think globally”.  

    Retired Major Joelito G. Intong a newly elected Sangguniang Bayan Member graced the event in behalf of Lt. Col. Andres S. Aguinaldo the 55th Battalion Commander of the 55th IB of Langub, Calamba, Misamis Occidental. In his message he recalled the proclamation of the Independence Day when General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Filipinos in his house at Kawit, Cavite, in 1898. The historical detailed was that the Filipinos declared their independence from foreign rule (Spanish rule) on June 12. This was the day when the Philippine Flag was 1st raised. He also mentioned a saying that “it would be better to have a hell kind of government run by Filipinos rather than to have a heaven government run by Americans”. He also added that “a stable government can be established therein. Let of us in the government should serve our constituents with pride and dignity especially the less privilege and fortunate in the society.  For Filipinos the real independence is how to liberate from the bandage of poverty”.   

    The occasion was made possible and successful thru the effort of the Local Government Unit of Calamba, Misamis Occidental headed by the Municipal Mayor and with the cooperation and participation of all government agencies in the municipality; Barangay officials of the 19 Barangays of Calamba; Public School Teachers, Students and Employees; Private School Teachers/Faculties, Staff, Students; Non-Government Organizations; Private Sectors.