All is set for June 12 rites — DOT

Politics will take back seat to let Filipino pride and patriotism star on the 106th anniversary of the country’s independence.

The Philippines will celebrate 106 years of freedom tomorrow with a program showcasing Filipino pride and talents both here and abroad.

Organizers from an inter-agency task force led by the tourism department vowed the event will have no political color.

At least 4,000 people are expected to participate in the event. The program at the Rizal Park in Manila will start at 4 p.m.

President Arroyo will deliver a speech at 5 p.m.

The program will end with a bang as fireworks light up the night sky at 7 p.m.

Actor-sportsman Richard Gomez, a staunch supporter of opposition presidential contender Fernando Poe Jr., will ride in one of the floats during the parade, said organizer Cynthia Carreon.

She said Gomez would be there to represent Filipinos who excel in the field of sports.

"If I am a sports hero, it doesn’t mean that I am for President Arroyo or (Poe). It only means that I love my country very much," said Carreon, director for travel and trade of the Philippine Convention and Visitors’ Corp., during the weekly Manila Overseas Press Club breakfast forum at the Ristorante La Dolce Fontana in Greenhills, San Juan yesterday.

A total of 25 floats from various government departments and agencies, as well the private sector will participate in the grand parade.

The caravan will display the Philippines’ "history, enduring beauty and diverse culture."

"This parade will show our countrymen and the world that we are strong and united as a people especially during these challenging times," Tourism Secretary Roberto Pagdanganan said in a statement.

The parade will be divided into five segments illustrating the nation’s history from the pre-Hispanic era to the EDSA "people power" revolt of 1986, to the present administration.

The spotlight of Saturday’s celebration will be on Filipinos abroad who have made their countrymen proud, Carreon said.

Among the countless living Filipino heroes who have made their mark overseas include world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, international public speaking winner Patricia Evangelista, pop idols Jasmine Trias and Camille Velasco, and Asia’s business leader of the year, Gerardo Ablaza of Globe Telecom Inc.

Philippine independence from Spain was proclaimed in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. The historic event, witnessed by thousands of Filipinos, was solemnly held at the balcony of General Emilio Aguinaldo’s home.