Presidential spokesman Ignacio Bunye could not explain the President’s absence in the morning flag ceremony to be simultaneously held in key areas in the country. Last year, Arroyo led the traditional flag-raising rites in Mindanao.
Executive Secretary Alberto Romulo will instead represent the Chief Executive in the ceremony as well as the wreath-laying at the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
The first official activity of the President would begin at 11 a.m. when she welcomes the members of the diplomatic corps led by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Antonio Franco for the traditional Vin d’ Honneur at the Ceremonial Hall in Malacañang.
Arroyo, who has kept a low profile since election day and during the canvassing of votes, is expected to give an Independence Day toast in the presence of the foreign ambassadors.
At 4:30 p.m., the President is scheduled to attend the Independence Day program with the theme "Pilipino Ang Galing Mo" at the Quirino Grandstand.
The program includes a grand parade of floats depicting the history of the Philippines from the Battle of Mactan to the EDSA People Power II which installed her into power.
Various departments and agencies of the government will also join the parade with their colorful floats to be followed by fireworks and laser display.
Security is expected to be tight as military and police units in Metro Manila have been on full alert for the past three weeks.
PNP on full alert
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. has placed the entire Metro Manila police on full alert today as part of the security measures for the Independence Day celebration which coincides with the planned protest actions by the Food Peace and Justice (FPJ) Movement in strategic areas in Manila.
PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Joel Goltiao said around five battalions each composed of about 500 police personnel are placed on standby alert.
Goltiao said the Central Luzon and Southern Tagalog police offices and the PNP’s Special Action Force (SAF) were also placed on full alert to thwart any untoward activities in today’s commemoration of the 106th Independence Day.
"There will be a civil/military parade today. The NCRPO will provide the security measures including area and road securities and the Civil Disturbance Management contingent to ensure peace and order in today’s activities."
The PNP stressed that the "no permit, no rally" policy will be implemented and protesters who refuse to heed to the police’s call for sobriety will be dispersed.
While the PNP will respect the rights of the people to freedom of expression, Goltiao said the rites at the Luneta Park should not be marred with protests or any disturbances. (Aris Ilagan)
SBMA celebrates
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT (PNA) – The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) joins the rest of the country in the celebration of the 106th Araw ng Kalayaan" rites today with its own and distinct program and festivities here.
SBMA Chairman Felicito Payumo enjoined all SBMA personnel and visitors of this premier freeport to join the celebration.
Armin Santos, Tourism Department Manager and overall chairman of the affair, said the activities will kicked off with a parade of SBMA employees and delegations from Freeport locators highlighting this year’s theme "Kalayaan, Lakas at Pagkakaisa sa Matatag na Republika" (Strength and Unity for a Strong Republic).
The parade will be followed by a musical presentation by SBMA choirs and performing artists who will lead the audience in singing patriotic songs at the bay area.
The spice of the day’s affairs, Santos said, will be the inaugural run of the trambia, an old-type road train. Two of these 24seater road trains will be running for free on June 12.
OMA joins rites
The Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA) joins the nation in the celebration of the 106th Philippine Independence Day on the theme "Ganda ng Pilipinas, Galing ng Pilipino sa Matatag na Republika."
OMA Undersecretary and Executive Director Datu Zamzamin Ampatuan has organized a five-man committee to lead the celebration, with Civil Service Commissioner Cesar Miraflor as guest speaker. He will be joined by a battery of OMA speakers.
The OMA program features "Kapagonor" by the Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs (BMCA); "Malong-Malong Dance" by the Bureau of Muslim Cultural Development (BMCD), the Bureau of Muslim Settlement (BMS) will stage a Moro War Dance, the Bureau of Pilgrimage and Edowment (BPE) to exhibit the "Sadurada" Dance and the Bureau of External Relations to spice the program with its staff singing and rendition of Bayan Ko.
The five-man committee will give awards to the best cultural attire, best cultural presentation and best kulintang players.
The OMA five-man committee is chaired by lawyer Metalicop Domado, BMCA director; Cultural Division Chief Abubacar Sandaluna as vice chairman; Moh Siddique Mauga Sarip, Alexander Marohom and Nimbo Sinarimbo. (E. T. Suarez)
PAGCOR participation
Top government revenue-earner Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) depicts its role in nation-building and community development as it participates in the 106th Independence Day festivities today at the Quirino Grandstand.
Carrying a new slogan: "Tanglaw ng Sambayanan, Kaagapay sa Kaunlaran," the state-owned gaming firm’s participation will be highlighted by a colorful float and a brief activity featuring selected PAGCOR employees.
PAGCOR Chairman Efraim Genuino and his board of directors will lead more than a hundred PAGCOR employees in a lively parade which will showcase the gaming firm’s various socio-civic projects like the Batang Iwas Droga (BIDA), Sulong Barangay, Handog Kalusugan medical-dental missions, emergency Hotline 966 and the Patubig at Pailaw ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Joining them in the parade are BIDA mascots Luzy, Victor and Mindo and several local athletes from PAGCOR Sports who did the country proud by reaping honors in numerous international events.
Genuino believes this year’s theme: "Ganda ng Pilipinas, Galing ng Pilipino sa Matatag na Republika" is completely in synch with PAGCOR’s thrust to boost the country’s tourism industry while promoting the Filipinos’ role in nation-building.
He cited in particular PAGCOR’s 11,000-strong workforce whose exceptional skills and laudable performance can be credited for the gaming firm’s record-breaking income. Recently, PAGCOR posted R 5.41 billion for the first quarter of the year. Its first quarter profits, along with its income of R 1.92 billion for last March, is the highest ever registered in PAGCOR’s 21-year history.
