16:30 | Tacna (Tacna region), Aug. 28.
The
President of the Republic, Keiko Fujimori, on Friday reaffirmed her Government's commitment to making progress in closing gaps in health and sanitation, as well as strengthening citizen security.
Remarks were made during her participation in events marking the 97th anniversary of Tacna's Reincorporation into the National Heritage.
The Head of State delivered this message during the National Flag-Raising Ceremony, held at the southern city's Civic Promenade. It was one of the central moments of the commemoration that marked the culmination of patriotic events that began with the Flag Procession.
"Just as we defend our history, we must also defend the well-being of every Tacna family. We will work to ensure timely, quality healthcare, to make our streets and homes increasingly safer, and to guarantee something as essential as water," she stated.
In this regard, the top official reported that she had asked the Health Minister to visit Tacna's Hipolito Unanue Hospital tomorrow to directly assess its situation and work on solutions to address its needs.
"Enough excuses; we are going to make this hospital a reality," she emphasized.
Likewise, the top official noted that the Executive Branch has been promoting measures to materialize the reforms considered a priority by her administration and improve citizens' quality of life.
"Tacna's progress cannot be measured solely by infrastructure projects, but also by the peace of mind, health, and quality of life of its citizens. That is our commitment: a safe Tacna, with healthcare and water for all," she said.
A day for Tacna and all of Peru
During her speech, President Fujimori highlighted the historical significance of August 28 and the values that the people of Tacna preserved for decades in the face of adversity.
"Today is a day that belongs to Tacna and to all Peruvians. August 28, 1929, reminds us that there are values that neither time nor adversity can destroy: love for one's homeland, identity, and hope," Fujimori stated.
"Tacna is the Heroic City; it is Peru's beating heart, which taught us that love for one's homeland never surrenders," she added.
Likewise, the Head of State paid tribute to the role played by Tacna's women in defending the national identity during the period of Chilean occupation.
"How wonderful it is to remember today, especially those Tacna women who turned civic resistance into a form of love and who, in difficult times, taught their children that one's homeland is never abandoned and that we carry our Peruvian identity in our blood," she remarked.
The top official noted that this legacy of patriotism, unity, dignity, and solidarity should serve as an inspiration for addressing today's challenges and building the nation's future.
"May the red and white, our flag that proudly makes its way through these streets today, always remain a symbol of unity. May the memory of those who defended our identity also inspire us to defend our future," she expressed.
Flag procession
Earlier, the President took part in the Solemn Procession of the National Flag, one of Tacna's most representative and moving civic-patriotic expressions.
Every August 28, the event reaffirms the city's identity, historical memory, and deep sense of Peruvian identity.
The Head of State accompanied the traditional procession on foot alongside authorities and hundreds of citizens who gathered in the streets and on balconies to pay tribute amid applause, chants, and cheers that accompanied its passage.
During the ceremony, the National Flag, measuring 24 meters long and 12 meters wide, was carried by members of the Meritorious Mutual Aid Society of Tacna Women along the city's main streets, from the Alto Lima area to the Civic Promenade.
The procession took place amid a crowd that expressed its respect and pride in the national symbols.
The procession concluded at the Civic Promenade, in front of the Parabolic Arch, where the official events continued.
During the civic events, the Head of State was accompanied by Ministers Rafael Belaunde (Defense), Ernesto Alvarez (Justice and Human Rights), and Alberto Beingolea (Culture); the Chairman of Congress' Chamber of Deputies, Oscar Retto; senators; deputies; as well as national, regional, and local authorities.
(END) NDP/HTC/JCC/MVB
Published: 8/28/2026