GMA to lead Independence Day rites

MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo, for the last time as chief executive, will lead the Philippine Independence Day celebration at Rizal Park on June 12.

The National Historical Commission (NHC) has lined up cultural activities until the end of the month to commemorate the 112th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine independence, themed “KALAYAAN: Tagumpay ng Bayan.”

Independence Day festivities will start with the simultaneous flag raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at 7 a.m. in six historical sites: Rizal Park, Manila with the President; Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite with Chief Justice Renato Corona; Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion with Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales; Barosoain Church with Trade Secretary Jesli Lapus; Bonifacio Monument with Speaker Prospero Nograles; and Pinaglabanan Shrine with Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.

Mrs. Arroyo will be back at Rizal Park at 4 p.m. to deliver her Independence Day message and watch the traditional civic-military parade.

NHC chairman Ambeth Ocampo said the Independence Day celebration at Rizal Park will highlight the major accomplishments of the Arroyo administration “without losing sight of our rich history and cultural heritage.”

“We are celebrating individual and collective achievement,” Ocampo said.  

The parade will feature 10 floats showing Mrs. Arroyo’s 10-point agenda covering the following themes: education for all, automated elections, transportation and infrastructure, terminating hostilities in all fronts, healing the wounds of EDSA, electricity and water for all, opportunities for livelihood, decongestion of Metro Manila, and developing Subic and Clark.

In the morning, there will also be a lecture series on the martyrdom of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal titled Alay sa Kalayaan.