𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐀𝐌 𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐓 𝟖𝟏𝐒𝐓 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘 𝐋𝐈𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐒
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro on Thursday, March 26, called on Talisaynons to translate remembrance into action as the city commemorated the 81st Takas sa Talisay Kagawasan sa Sugbo at the Liberation Park and the American Landing Monument in Barangay Poblacion.
The governor said the commemoration should reinforce ongoing efforts of local governments to strengthen civic unity, community service, and programs that safeguard peace and development—key elements in sustaining the freedoms won during the war.
In her speech, Gov. Baricuatro emphasized that the historic event stands as a reminder of how ordinary Cebuanos once chose courage and unity in the face of hardship.
“Today, we remember and honor both history and courage. Takas sa Talisay reminds us of a time when ordinary Cebuanos chose to rise, to fight, and to stand for something greater than themselves,” she said.
Mayor Samsam Gullas and the city council welcomed the governor at the very site along the city’s shores where American troops alongside Filipino guerrillas, landed to help liberate Cebu from Japanese occupation during World War II.
Despite encountering minefields during the initial assault, the operation paved the way for the liberation of Cebu City on March 27, 1945. History records show that 410 Americans were killed in the battle, 1,700 were wounded, and about 8,000 were classified as “non-battle casualties”.
Joining them were Japanese Consul-General Yudai Ueno and U.S. Consul General Glenn Ivan Loop; as well as first district Board Members Neneth Reluya and Antonio Bacaltos Jr.
The governor noted that the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom were not easy, highlighting the hardships they endured by giving up their comfort, safety, and ultimately their lives during the struggle for liberation.
“Maong pangutana nato karon: unsaon nato paghatag og hustong bili sa ilang gihimo?” she said, urging Cebuanos to move beyond simple remembrance.
According to the governor, honoring the past requires unity, purpose, and a commitment to the welfare of communities across Cebu.
“Dili lang pinaagi sa paghinumdom, kun dili pinaagi sa aksyon. We have to unite, live with purpose, and fight for what’s best for our communities and for Cebu,” she said.
She also sressed that freedom must be continuously protected and upheld by every generation.
“Because the true meaning of freedom is not just something we celebrate—it is something we protect, we live out, and we pass on,” she said. | CAPITOL PIO
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