MANILA, Philippines, May 27 — Wire report from Malacanang Palace reveals the Headline Celebrity and Congressman-elect of the lone district of Sarangani Manny Pacquiao will significantly be highlighted for this year?s 112th Independence Day celebration on June 12. Such undertaking is said to restore the pomp and significance of the civic-military parade at the Rizal Park Grandstand (Luneta) in Manila. Pacquaio has become instrumental in strengthening and preventing chaotic inroads during the heights of President and now Congresswoman-elect of the second district of Pampanga Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“Pacquiao has helped the administration of Arroyo from the possibility of being overthrown by both military and civilian sectors,” says Lawyer-Journalist Rene Buenaventura. “But, each time Pacquiao fights, he helps calm the politically stormy Philippines and it’s like the spirit of the Living God is in him.”
“That’s why I must say, the Arroyo administration owes him a lot,” adds Buenaventura in an exclusive interview with this writer.
Meanwhile, ?For the last two years, we have been focusing on major programs and projects of the government and did away with the usual civic-military parade. This time, we are returning the parade to showcase the achievements of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, especially before she bows out on June 30,? said Ludovico Badoy, executive director of the National Historical Institute (NHI), which was designated the lead agency for this year?s Independence Day celebration.
On the other hand, the parade will also feature 10 floats highlighting the 10-point agenda during the nine-year term of President Arroyo. An 11th float will honor the country?s modern-day heroes, particularly those who have made names for themselves here and abroad in their respective fields of endeavor.
Badoy is said to flesh out the details for the Independence Day celebration and the coming Flag Awareness Day on May 28 during Wednesday afternoon?s meeting of the Technical Working Group, which he chairs.
On one hand, the Independence Day festivities will be launched on May 28, with Education Secretary Mona Valisno as the guest of honor and speaker in an event in Cavite City to commemorate the Battle of Alapan where the Philippine flag was first hoisted at Teatro Caviteno by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in 1898.
The Philippine Flag will be simultaneous raised nationwide at 8 a.m. To give homage to the flag, NHI will ensure that Philippine flags are prominently placed in all major thoroughfares.
Badoy also urged both the public and the private sectors to proudly display the flag not just outside their offices but also outside their homes.
On Independence Day, ?we expect the President to be there at 6:45 a.m. and lead the flag raising simultaneously with other local government officials all over the country,? Badoy added.
There will be the usual simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at 7 a.m. at the Rizal monument.
The parade will take place in the afternoon. There will be a fireworks display immediately after the parade.
To help Metro Manila residents celebrate Independence Day, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) may give free train rides (for rapid transit systems like Light Rail Transit 1 and 2 and Metro Rail Transit 3).
