President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, like in previous Independence Day celebrations, is expected to call anew for national unity.

But in her final participation in an Independence Day celebration as President, she also expected to deliver a report to the nation, including how her government has supposedly reduced poverty, enhanced growth, among others, during its tenure.

At least P10 million has been earmarked for Saturday’s celebrations that would be highlighted by a parade of 10 floats representing the President's 10-point agenda dubbed “BEAT THE ODDS.”

Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza urged people to join the June 12 celebrations, citing many sources of individual and collective pride such as a stable economy and success of May 10 automated elections.

“On Saturday (today), we will celebrate our 112th Independence Day. Our theme is ‘Tagumpay ng Bayan.’ Indeed, we have much to be proud of and more to be thankful for,” Mendoza said.

Among the achievements listed by Mendoza are the economy that survived a global financial crisis, the help of friends and neighbors following the onslaught of storms “Pepeng” and “Ondoy.”

Another source of Filipino pride is the country’s first automated elections “made successful by a non-partisan police and military,” Mendoza said. “Thus for the first time in electoral history, we already know our next President by Independence Day,” he said.

“Let us also consider what we can do, as individuals and as a community, to sustain these achievements long into the future,” he added.

The President earlier declared June 14, Monday, a non-working holiday in lieu of the Independence Day on June 12, which falls on a Saturday. Freedom Day rites, however, will still be observed on Saturday.

The past Independence Day rites have been celebrated in different ways during the Arroyo government's term, having its fair share of controversies from its varying venues, budget, and dwindling audience.

President Arroyo, in her years in office, led flag-raising rites from the nearby Luneta Grandstand in Manila to the far-flung Lamitan, Basilan, mostly echoing calls for patriotism and unity in her annual address. The traditional reception for the diplomatic community usually follows.

Noynoy attends wedding
While the country celebrates the 112th Independence Day, President-elect Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III will be gracing the wedding of a Liberal Party mate in Laguna.

Aquino said he hasn’t received any invitation to grace the Independence Day celebration at the Palace but said that whether or not he was invited, he has already committed his attendance as godfather of Laguna 3rd District Rep. Maria Evita “Ivy” Roda Arago for her wedding ceremony in San Pablo City.

“I have not been apprised by my staff (if there has been such an invitation). In June 12 celebrations, there are specific roles for the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, Chief Justice. I am not in any of those positions yet,” Aquino told reporters in his residence last Thursday.

Clinton, Sarkozy greet RP
Joining the Filipino nation in celebrating Saturday’s 112th anniversary of Philippines’ Independence Day, United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and French President Nicolas Sarkozy have expressed commitment to continuously forge “longstanding, trustful, and strong” bilateral ties with the Philippines even under the new administration.

Clinton said her government is counting on a seamless and orderly transition of power in June 30, even as she reiterated the US government’s felicitations for the successful conduct of automated May 10 polls.

“On behalf of the American people, I offer congratulations to the people of the Philippines on the 112th anniversary of your declaration of independence. This is a momentous time for your country, and the United States congratulates you on your successful election last month – a testament to the strength of your democracy and a positive example for the world,” she said in her one-page statement.

“We look forward to witnessing a smooth transition to the new administration in the coming weeks,” she noted.

Both Clinton and Sarkozy pledged that Washington will continuously work hand-in-hand with President-elect Aquino to further enhance their bilateral partnerships with the Philippines.

“The United States is grateful for our alliance with the Philippines and for the benefits it brings to both our peoples. And we look forward to working closely with your new President to continue our strong bilateral partnership,” Clinton said.

Citing the long history of cooperation and collaboration, “this partnership continues today, whether we are working together to promote peace and development, combat extremism, or help victims of natural disasters,” she added.

Sarkozy expressed his government’s “trustful, longstanding and cordial” partnership with the Philippines, as he extended his “warmest congratulations” to Aquino.

“As I extend all my wishes of success in the exercise of your functions, please accept, Mister President, the assurance of my highest consideration,” he said in a statement emailed to media outfits.

“The Philippines and France maintain trustful, longstanding and cordial bilateral relations. I wish the further broaden our cooperation in all fields,” he stressed. (With reports from Kris Bayos and Charissa M. Luci)