Roxas to attend city's Independence Day rites

CEBU, Philippines – Presidential hopeful Senator Mar Roxas II is this year’s special guest of Cebu City’s celebration of the 111th Independence Day today.

The City Hall’s Press Information Office yesterday distributed invitations for the event.

A Holy Mass at 7:30 a.m. will start the affair at Plaza Sugbo followed by a commemorative raising of the flag to be led by Mayor Tomas Osmeña, Vice Mayor Michael Rama and city councilors.

The oath of allegiance will be recited by the Boys Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) and will be followed by Rama’s welcome address.

Roxas will give a special message and the Independence Day message will be given by Osmeña.

Osmeña had already declared his support for Roxas, who is running for next year’s presidential election.

On the other hand, over 1,000 government employees from different regional agencies are expected to gather at the Malacañang sa Sugbo for the Independence Day celebration.

Visayas Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol and Presidential Assistant for Central Visayas Felix Guanzon will deliver a message.

In Dumaguete City, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves is the guest of honor in the celebration of the Independence Day there. He will fly later to Cebu for the awarding of scholarship grants at SM City. — Ferliza C. Contratista/LPM (THE FREEMAN)