By Myris Lee
President Rodrigo Duterte is set to lead the commemoration of the 124th Independence Day on Sunday, June 12, in Rizal Park for the last time before his term ends on June 30.
This year’s celebration banners the theme “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas.”
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Senior Researcher Francis Kristoffer Pasion said a simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying will be held at the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan; the Andres Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City, and the Mactan Shrine in Cebu on Sunday.
“Napakahalaga po ng pagdiriwang po ng ating kalayaan ‘no dahil ito po ‘yung hudyat ng ating pagsasarili, inaanunsiyo po natin sa buong mundo na tayo ay isang bansa na may sariling boses at we are best course our own future,” Pasion said in the Laging Handa briefing.
Pasion said virtual symposiums, cultural shows, and concerts will also be conducted while 27 museums in our country will virtually celebrate Independence Days through various activities.
The Department of Labor and Employment will also mount a “Trabaho, Negosto, Kabuhayan” job fair across the country with over 90,000 job openings locally and abroad.
Meanwhile, a socio-civic parade and a cultural show will be held in Kawit, Cavite where first Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo declared Independence Day on June 12, 1898
Metro Rail Transit-3 and Light Rail Transit will also offer free rides to passengers, while the Department of Foreign Affairs will also hold an Independence Day program at the Philippine embassies around the world. – gb