President José Raúl Mulino marked the Panama independence anniversary on Sunday by underscoring national sovereignty and pledging that the government will fulfill its reconstruction commitments following last month’s earthquake. The official ceremonies began at 7:00 a.m. with the raising of the national flag outside the Palacio de Las Garzas in Panama City.
Mulino, accompanied by First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino, cabinet ministers, and other authorities, presided over the protocol events commemorating 123 years since Panama’s separation from Colombia in 1903. The president handed the national flag to standard-bearer Ricardo Gago Salinero, whom he described as a dedicated collaborator of the Church with a lifetime of social service.
Panama Independence Anniversary and National Sovereignty
During his remarks, Mulino pointed to the Panama Canal as the clearest symbol of the country’s achievements since the 1903 separatist movement. The waterway, inaugurated on August 15, 1914, with the transit of the steamship Ancón, now operates under full Panamanian administration.
“After 123 years, we have a strengthened and sovereign country, with a Panama Canal that belongs to Panamanians. I believe we have advanced greatly since that heroic feat of November 3, 1903,” Mulino said [Translated from Spanish].
Earthquake Recovery Efforts and Government Commitments
The president directly addressed ongoing reconstruction work following the October 9 earthquake that damaged homes, hospitals, and schools. The government has allocated a $100 million trust fund for recovery operations across affected areas.
“We will deliver: we will hand over your houses and rebuild hospitals and schools. We only ask for a little patience, as it is a process that takes time, as is natural,” Mulino stated [Translated from Spanish].
Religious Ceremony and Community Solidarity
Following the flag-raising ceremony, the presidential delegation moved to the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Santa María la Antigua for the traditional Te Deum service. Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa Mendieta officiated the religious ceremony attended by judicial and legislative authorities, entity directors, and state ministers.
Archbishop Ulloa emphasized the solidarity Panamanians have shown toward earthquake victims. “The greatness of the country lies in its people,” he said [Translated from Spanish], affirming that national unity will carry Panama forward. The morning’s protocol events concluded with the Republican Band, directed by Professor Dimas Rodríguez, performing the National Anthem.