President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the nation in commemorating the 128th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence during solemn ceremonies held at Rizal Park in Manila on Friday.
The Independence Day celebration commenced with arrival honors for the President, highlighted by a 21-gun salute and military honors accorded to the Commander-in-Chief.
President Marcos was joined by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and members of the First Family, including House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos III, Joseph Simon Marcos, and William Vincent Marcos.
The President, together with government officials, military leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished guests, participated in the flag-raising ceremony and the recitation of the Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas, led by a Girl Scout representative.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chorale rendered the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn, followed by the recitation of the Panata sa Bagong Pilipinas, led by a Boy Scout representative.
As part of the commemorative rites, President Marcos led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument in honor of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Joining him were National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr.
Also present during the ceremony were Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and other government officials.
Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Acting Senate President and Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian; House Speaker Faustino Dy and members of the House of Representatives; Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Most Rev. Charles John Brown; members of the diplomatic corps; Cabinet secretaries; major service commanders; Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.; and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan.
The annual observance honors the sacrifices and heroism of Filipinos who fought for the nation’s freedom and reaffirms the government’s commitment to building a stronger, more united, and progressive Philippines under the Bagong Pilipinas vision.
