Month-long rites for Independence Day

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has launched a month-long celebration for the 109th anniversary of Philippine independence on June 12.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano said with the theme “Sama-Sama Tayo Tungo sa Pag-asenso,” this year’s celebration was divided into three parts.

The first set of activities will be highlighted by the Flag Day tomorrow at the Alapan Historical Landmark in Imus, Cavite, which will focus on the importance of the Philippine flag.

Durano said as supplemental activities to the “Watawat” module, there will be a series of flag days every Monday, which started last May 21.

“Streamers, flags, buntings will also be put up in all government buildings, schools, public parks, malls, hospitals and other institutions,” Durano added.

In line with the Independence Day celebration, DOT will set up a so-called Barangay Kalayaan at the Rizal Park.

“We will be transforming the lagoon area at the Luneta Park into a Philippine typical village where the country’s best products and attractions can be seen,” Durano disclosed.

DOT has also scheduled activities to highlight the birthday of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal on June 19 as well as to commemorate the founding of the city of Manila on June 24.

“The activities were meant to honor the heroism of Rizal and the patriotism of other Filipino from the early revolution against Americans up to World War II,” Durano said.

The Philippine Historical Association will also hold a colloquium on the proclamation of the Philippine independence at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.

But the main event of the month-long affair will still be the annual Parada ng Kalayaan at the Quirino Grandstand to be participated in by all government agencies.

Also on June 12, there will be simultaneous flag-rising and wreath laying rites at the Luneta Park, Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite, Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan; Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan, Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan, Cebu and Davao. – Mayen Jaymalin