Dr. Hector Gayares Jr., a volunteer doctor who has helped the City manage the Covid-19 pandemic since it started last year, is the guest of honor and speaker at the 123rd Philippine Independence Day program in Bacolod City on June 12.
Gayares has been functioning as deputy medical of the Emergency Operations Center of the City, and a private sector representative at the Covid-19 Vaccination Council.
In inviting Gayares, Mayor Evelio Leonardia told him, “Having been with us since we started as a team in our fight against this dreaded pandemic, we believe that you are the right person who could give our people more insights about this unseen enemy that has caused a lot of worries, anxieties, and even pain for the loss of loved ones.”
Gayares is a surgery clinician, professor, and hospital administrator. He was the president and medical director of the Adventist Medical Center Bacolod from 2011 to 2018, and chief executive officer of the Adventist International Health System Philippines from July 2018 to April 2021. He now sits as the chief executive officer of the Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital in Banepa, Nepal since May 2021.
PROGRAM
The ceremony tomorrow will memorialize that historic day in Kawit, Cavite 123 years ago when General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed an independent Philippine Republic.
The commemoration rites will start with a “simple yet fitting” flag-raising ceremony at 6:30 a.m. at the Bacolod City Public Plaza, a press release from the city said.
Councilor Renecito Novero will lead the prayer, while Councilor Archie Baribar will lead the Pledge of Loyalty to the Philippine Flag.
“More than unity and healing, we call for freedom from what ails the world today,” Leonardia said.
Officials and participants from various sectors who will attend the event are required to observe minimum health safety protocols.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran will give the welcome remarks, to be followed by the acknowledgement of guests by Councilor Israel Salanga, and the inspirational message of Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya and Leonardia’s Independence Day message.
City Administrator Em Ang will introduce Gayares, while Councilor Lady Gles Pallen will deliver the closing remarks.
The program will officially conclude with a wreath-laying at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, to be led by Gayares, with Leonardia, Gasataya, Familiaran, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and war veteran representatives.
The Department of Education Quartet will lead the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, Bacolod Hymn, and Nationalistic Song.*
