KAWIT, Cavite -- It's all systems go for the 111th Independence Day celebration on June 12 at the General Emilio F. Aguinaldo Shrine here, officials said yesterday.

The Shrine is the ancestral home of General Aguinaldo, who led the revolution against the Spaniards and Americans.

Aguinaldo was the country's first president.

The Philippine flag is traditionally raised by top national leaders from at the Shrine's veranda every Independence Day.

Cavite is called country's historical capital as the province is the cradle of the Philippine revolution. Kawit is the birthplace of the country's independence.

National Historical Institute (NHI) officials said Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. will lead the traditional flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies on June 12 at the Shrine in Barangay Kaingin.

In the last few years, Vice President Noli de Castro led the Independence Day ceremonies at the Shrine.

An NHI official said the Vice President cannot make it this year as he will be out of the country during the event

Alda Lou Cabrera, provincial public relations officer, confirmed the report that Senator Revilla will lead the Independence Day program at the Aguinaldo Shrine.

Kawit Mayor Reynaldo Aguinaldo, grandson of General Aguinaldo, said the municipality is now ready for the whole-day Independence Day celebration.

Superintendent Michael B. Secillano, operations officer of the Cavite Police Provincial Office, said security measures at the Shrine are now ready to be implemented.

Gov. Erineo S. Maliksi, his son Imus Mayor Emmanuel L. Maliksi, other mayors and local officials of the province and relatives of General Aguinaldo, led by Rep. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, another grandson of Aguinaldo, will join the activities at the Shrine.

Cabrera said special activities were prepared by the provincial government at the Shrine area.

The activities will include a reenactment of the Battle of Alapan in Imus where the Philippine flag was waved for the first time.