Dumaguete set to celebrate: Phl 116th Independence Day

CEBU, Philippines - The Dumaguete City government will join the rest of the country in celebrating the 116th year of Independence Day on June 12, with ceremonies and activities scheduled at the Quezon Park, following this year's theme, "Kalayaan 2014: Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino,Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenting Pagbabago."

This year's speaker for the event in this city will be Stacy Danica Alcantara, topnotcher of the foreign service board examination, who is also a columnist of The Freeman.

The program will start after the simultaneous ringing of church bells, taps and sounding of sirens and raising and waving of flaglets at 7a.m. After this will be the raising of the Philippine Flag, the singing of the National Anthem and the floral offering or wreath-laying at the foot of the Rizal Monument.

The recitation of the Panatang Makabayan will be led by Dr. Orlando Cadano, topnotcher of the superintendent examination of the Philippines, followed by the ecumenical invocation by Dumaguete Diocese Bishop, Most Rev. Julito Cortes, Rev. Elmer Saa of the Silliman Church and Imam Sadic Amboloto of the Muslim community.

Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria will lead the wreath-laying, along with Vice Mayor Woodrow Maquiling Sr., Gov. Roel Degamo, Vice Gov. Mark Macias, 2nd district Rep. George Arnaiz, Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, Sr.Supt. Mariano Natuel,Jr. of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, Supt. James Goforth of the Dumaguete Police, Chief Insp. Eduardo Oira of City Tourist Police, Sr. Insp. Josephus Jelianggao of BJMP, Insp. Robelito Mariano of the Provincial HPG, NBI-Dumaguete chief Alvin Rebadulla and City DILG officer Felix Ablir Jr., among others.

This year's love offering will be for the marginalized and displaced individuals in Dumaguete, according to city officials. (FREEMAN)