MANILA – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on Monday urged the public to be part of the various activities the government has lined up in observance of the country’s 126th Independence Day.
“The theme is since last year is ‘Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan’. The highlight is on June 12 when a commemorative flag raising will be held. In the afternoon, a huge parade consisting of 22 floats from across the country will feature the government established by Emilio Aguinaldo as well as the towns that were part of the revolution,” NHCP History Researcher II Alton Concillado said in the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing over PTV4.
He said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is inviting the public to witness the parade that will start at 5 p.m. on June 12 from the CCP grounds to Roxas Blvd. up to the Burnham Green across the Quirino Grandstand.
A concert will be held after the parade, he added.
Simultaneous flag raising activities will be held in Cavite; Malolos; San Juan City; Caloocan; Angeles City; and NHCP museums across the country.
Meanwhile, Concillado said 132 booths were opened on Monday at the Luneta Park. These booths are open to the public, allowing them to access various government services.
Aside from Kadiwa ng Pangulo, medical and dental services are also available in those booths, he said.
Last Friday, the government also staged the Musikalayaan, featuring musicians and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
On June 4, the Presidential Communications Office said the festival-like celebrations from June 10 to 12 will be held at the Rizal Park Burnham Green in Roxas Boulevard, Manila, right across the Quirino Grandstand.
Various government agencies and non-government organizations have prepared different activities for everyone to enjoy from sun up to sun down for three days.
The Pilipinas Obstacle Sport Federation will hold competitions for various ages and groups to provide participants a “ninja warrior” experience that would showcase athleticism, bravery, grit and perseverance.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture will hold the Kusina (Kitchen) Warrior, a nationwide competition among select student-cooks who will compete for the best adobo (vinegar and soy sauce-based meat or chicken dish) and pancit (local noodles).
Meanwhile, the Chili Federation will hold the labuyo (wild chili)-eating contest and other activities, like plants and product displays.
National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes will hold a concert on June 10 at the Burnham Green.
Musikalayaan will provide the stage for musicians and bands like Rocksteady (June 10), The Juans (June 11), Plethora (June 11) and Bini (June 12).
Film showings of Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, Heneral Luna, and Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral are scheduled on the evenings of June 11 and 12.
A total of 41 government and non-government agencies will offer medical services, fresh produce, passport appointment-bookings, National Bureau of Investigation clearances, artisanal delicacies, children’s story-telling, book sales, educational exhibitions, games, and contests under the Pampahalaang Program at Serbisyo on June 11 and 12. (PNA)