Independence resonates in PH history, culture and industry

THE Philippines, a nation that has endured Spanish, Japanese and American colonial regimes, celebrates its 126th Independence Day today.This historic day marks the country's declaration of independence from Spanish rule on June 12, 1898.As the Philippines commemorates its 126th Independence Day, the nation looks back with pride and looks forward with hope, embodying the spirit of "Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan. (Freedom. Future. History.)"Rizal Park ceremonies At the heart of the celebrations is the grand ceremony at Rizal Park, Luneta, Manila, beginning at 8 a.m. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will lead the flag-raising ceremony at the Independence Flagpole near the José Rizal Monument. Nationwide celebrationsSimultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies are scheduled at historic sites nationwide, including the Dambanang Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite and Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos City, Bulacan; Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City; Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion (Mausoleum of the Veterans of the Revolution) in Manila North Cemetery; Andres Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City; and Museo ng Kasaysayang Panlipunan ng Pilipinas in Angeles City, Pampanga. NHCP museums and local government units (LGUs) nationwide will also host their ceremonies, emphasizing national unity and remembrance. In the afternoon, the Parada ng Kalayaan 2024 will commence at 3 p.m., showcasing pivotal historical events and evolution of the Philippine Republic. The parade will feature various government agencies — both historical and contemporary — highlighting the progress and resilience of the nation.Meanwhile, over 50 government agencies have participated in "Mga Pampamahalaang Programa at Serbisyo" caravan, offering a range of services through 132 booths from June 10 to 11. The Kadiwa ng Pangulo, led by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Trade and Industry, have also provided fresh produce while Klinikalayaan 2024 has offered free medical, dental and optical services.Festivities at Burnham Green will include a chili-eating contest, concerts, cooking shows and a flea market, showcasing local products and cultural performances. These activities aim to engage the public in a fun and meaningful celebration of Filipino heritage.Job fairsOver 100,000 job openings await applicants at 43 job fair sites nationwide this Independence Day. The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) says job seekers can explore 106,298 local vacancies and 5,165 overseas opportunities offered by over 1,000 employers. Top positions include production worker, customer service representative, cashier, laborer and service crew. More vacancies and participating employers are anticipated.Most job fairs will be held in malls for convenience. Applicants should prepare their documents. They can access government services for preemployment needs. Job fair schedules are available on the DoLE website. These fairs are part of the nationwide celebration of the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence today, June 12.'Bagong Pilipinas' hymn and pledgeMalacañang has directed all government agencies and educational institutions to incorporate the "Bagong Pilipinas" hymn and pledge recital in weekly flag ceremonies. This initiative aims to instill the principles of Bagong Pilipinas, characterized by principled, accountable and dependable governance."For this purpose, the heads of all national government agencies and instrumentalities shall ensure that the 'Bagong Pilipinas' hymn and pledge, which are annexed to this Circular, are properly disseminated within their respective institutions and offices," a June 4 memorandum, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, says."The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) is hereby directed to implement effective measures to communicate and disseminate the 'Bagong Pilipinas' hymn and pledge to all government offices and the public," it adds.The administration launches the Bagong Pilipinas as the brand of governance and leadership, directing all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges to be guided by Bagong Pilipinas principles.The initiative — announced in the said June 4 memorandum — instructs agency heads to ensure proper dissemination of the hymn and pledge. The PCO is tasked with communicating and disseminating these to all government offices and the public.Bagong Pilipinas represents a unified, transformative approach to governance, encouraging Filipinos to participate in comprehensive social and economic reforms. This directive aligns with Section 18 of Republic Act 8491, which requires flag-raising ceremonies every Monday and flag-lowering ceremonies every Friday across all government offices and LGUs.Filipinos around the globe join the celebrationThe Philippine Embassy in Japan, through its Tourism Office and Cultural Section, is continuing its collaboration with Hard Rock Café and Tony Roma's to celebrate the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence by promoting Filipino culinary heritage.Following the enthusiastic reception of previous Filipino menu offerings, Hard Rock Café and Tony Roma's will, once again, feature a curated menu inspired by traditional Filipino dishes. This gastronomic celebration will include favorites such as chicken and baby back ribs inasal, pork lumpia (spring rolls) and inihaw na hipon (grilled shrimp) over rice. These specially designed dishes will be available for a limited time, inviting food enthusiasts and cultural aficionados to experience the unique tastes of the Philippines at the Hard Rock Café Tokyo Roppongi branch from June 1 to 30, 2024 and at all Tony Roma's branches in Japan from June 2 to 30, 2024."We are delighted to continue our partnership in showcasing the flavors of Filipino cuisine in Tokyo," says Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano. "We invite everyone to savor these dishes and celebrate our culinary artistry and the friendship between our nations."This collaboration, which has begun with the "Eats More Fun in the Philippines" campaign in 2021, has made chicken inasal (Philippines' grilled chicken) a staple on Hard Rock Café Roppongi's lunch menu.Independence Day parade in New YorkThe Philippine Consulate General in New York, alongside the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc., has kicked off the annual Independence Day parade in Madison Avenue on June 2.The event has featured 135 floats, organizations and marching bands, celebrating Filipino culture and contributions in the United States (US). Prominent figures, including US Sen. Charles Ellis Schumer, honors the Filipino community's impact on American society.Schumer and other state and city officials have paid tribute to the significant contributions of Filipinos to American society. LGUs from the Philippines have also participated, showcasing their culture and attractions.In a rare occurrence, the Independence Day parade has featured LGUs from the Philippines for the second time in its 34-year history. Misamis Oriental has showcased the colorful Kuyamis Festival with 80 street performers while the floats of Aurora and Pangasinan have highlighted local attractions. These displays have complemented vibrant performances from Tri-State area community organizations vying for recognition.Additionally, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Consulates General in New York, invited by Consul General Mangalile, have joined the parade to emphasize Asean solidarity and shared heritage. Consuls from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam have marched down Madison Avenue, engaging with Filipino community organizations.The day has commenced with a flag ceremony at the lobby of the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue with young Filipino Americans leading the Panunumpa sa Watawat (Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag), followed by a Thanksgiving Mass. Festivities have continued with a street fair, featuring Filipino food, services and cultural performances; then, concluding with a concert, starring Filipino artists Nonoy Zuñiga and 4th Impact. Honoring Rizal's legacy In Madrid, Spain, the Philippine Embassy and the Office of the Defense and Armed Forces Attaché have acknowledged the efforts of the Madrid Spain Conquerors Eagles Club in maintaining the Rizal monument in Avenida Islas Filipinas. Their dedication honors the legacy of the Filipino national hero and demonstrates their patriotic spirit. The community will also celebrate the Barrio Fiesta España 2024 on June 16, featuring traditional Filipino food, performances and games.Filipinos and friends in Spain enjoy and share the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines as well as authentic cuisine and services from Filipino businesses.Independence Day in the Philippines is a significant national holiday celebrated on June 12 each year. The day commemorates the country's declaration of independence from Spanish colonial rule on June 12, 1898.A legacy of hopeReflecting on the legacy of Andres Bonifacio, the celebration underscores the enduring spirit of hope and patriotism. Bonifacio's vision of a free Philippines, driven by the collective efforts of its people, continues to inspire the nation.Bonifacio believes there is no greater love than love for one's country. He has communicated this through his writings and speeches in a language everyone can understand. He hopes to see his fellowmen free from suffering under centuries of colonial rule. This hope that the Philippines can be a free nation had triumphed over the fear that the colonizers used for centuries and had enabled him to organize the Katipunan even when it had been dangerous to do so. This hope had sustained the revolution that Bonifacio had led despite his untimely demise. His vision of freedom and enlightenment is inclusive, inviting all Filipinos, regardless of status, to join the Katipunan. He has taught that being a hero means sharing beliefs to inspire others.This hope has carried the revolution to victory and continues to inspire the country's quest for a better society. Like Bonifacio, also known as Maypagasa, being a hero means spreading hope even in the darkest times, lighting the way to a better future.