Philippines 112th independence day
June 14, 2010The Philippines marked its 112th Independence Day on Saturday with a string of celebrations including flag-raising ceremonies, parade, performance and fireworks display.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo salutes to the monument of Philippine national hero Jose Rizal during the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Manila, the Philippines, June 12, 2010. (Xinhua Photo)
This year’s commemoration of the Philippine Independence Day is not only exceptional but also historical since the celebration coincides with the transition period of the Philippine government, a government official said.
The celebration started with flag-raising and wreath laying ceremonies at 7 a.m. in six historical sites.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (1st R, front) takes part in the Philippine Independence Day celebration in Manila, the Philippines, June 12, 2010. (Xinhua Photo)
Outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo raised the Philippine Flag and offered wreath to the tomb of National Hero Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Manila on Saturday morning.
At an Independence Day Vin D’ Honneur ceremony on Saturday morning, Arroyo cited the achievements of her nine-year administration, saying, “We will leave a legacy of hardwork, a strong and stable economy and renewed global engagement, major investments in health care, education and physical infrastructure. “
“I know much work remains to be done, but I am determined to turn over to a new government a new Philippines, one that is ready for the challenges of bringing the nation to the verge of first world in 20 years,” she said.
Contrary to Arroyo’s claim, President-elect Benigno Aquino III, who will assume the presidency on June 30, earlier said that he would inherit a highly-troubled government that is suffering from huge budget deficit of over 4.46 trillion pesos (95.8 billion U.S. dollars).
A military parade was held by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard, exemplifying the strong and continuing loyalty and allegiance of vanguards of freedom to the republic. It was followed by civic parade and performance.
The parade also included 11 floats, highlighting the achievements made during the nine-year term of President Arroyo, and honoring the country’s modern-day heroes. A display of fireworks brought the celebration to its climax.
President Arroyo attended the afternoon celebration at the cost of 10 million pesos (219,780 U.S. dollars). But the president- elect Benigno Aquino failed to appear.
Organizers also lined up historical and cultural activities for this year’s celebration, including free film showings, awarding rites of a historical writing contest and fireworks display.
Source: Xinhua
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