PNoy to attend Independence Day celebration at Barasoain Church

CITY OF MALOLOS- President Benigno S. Aquino III will grace the commemoration of the 114th anniversary of Philippine Independence at the historic Barasoain Church here on June 12.

Dr. Maria Serena I. Diokno, chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, said that the Chief Executive will lead the simultaneous raising of the Philippine flag at the patio of the Barasoain Church which will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, president of the First Philippine Republic.

She said that the program will be simple but dignified, starting with the arrival honors for President Aquino at 8:00am.

Diokno made the announcement during the Talakayang Bulakenyo jointly conducted by the Philippine Information Agency and the Provincial Public Affairs Office  at the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center.

She said that this year’s theme “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan” is in line with the administration’s program on good governance and eradication of corrupt practices in government.

Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that this is the first time that the highest official of the Republic will attend the Independence Day celebration at the historic Barasoain church.

“It’s about time that the historic events and significance of Barasoain church will be recognized. Kung wala ang Barasoain Church ay hindi magkakaroon ng ratification and declaration ng independence sa Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. Sa simbahang ito nilikaha ang unang Saligang Batas na siyang nagsilang sa demokrasya sa rehiyon ng Asia at Africa,” the chief executive said.

Alvarado explained that Barasoain Church is among the three historic sites where the simultaneous raising of the national flag is being held during Independence Day.

The governor praised Malacanang for giving total recognition and importance to the historic events  that took place in Malolos at the threshold of Philippine freedom from foreign rule.

Alvarado also said that they are pushing that January 23 –the anniversary of the First Philippine Republic—be made into a national holiday. He added that Philippine Flags are now displayed all year long in all parts of the province.

“Kung ang Baguio ay kilala sa Bulaklak ng Panagbenga at ang Pampanga ay tanyag naman sa kanilang makukulay na parol, ang dakilang lalawigan ng Bulakan ay maitatanghal naman na lalawigan ng mga bayani,” Alvarado said.

There will also be a job fair, medical mission and cultural performances that will be held around the compound of Barasoain Church, according to PPAO chief Maricel Santos-Cruz and Provincial Tourism Officer Sonny Cristobal.

Some 450 police personnel, 100 army troops and around 200 members of the Presidential Security Group will also be deployed around the historic Barasoain Church to secure public safety