Bacolod to hold simple Independence Day rites

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Mayor Evelio Leonardia said they will mark the 122nd Philippine Independence Day on Friday with a “simple celebration” in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“We are observing a simple celebration of Independence Day this year so we can also observe minimum health protocols during the occasion,” Leonardia said.

Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya will be the guest of honor and speaker at the program, a press release from the Bacolod City Government Center said.

Also attending the celebration are Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, the city councilors, City Hall department and office heads and employees, officials or representatives of government agencies such as the Department of Education, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and war veterans.

This year’s theme is “Kalayaan 2020: Tungo sa Bansang Malaya, Nagbabayanihan, at Ligtas (Kalayaan 2020: Towards A Free, United, and Safe Nation).”

Councilor  Simple  Distrito heads the committee for the celebration of the 122nd Philippine Independence Day.

Councilor Renecito Novero will lead the prayer during the program that will start with a flag-raising ceremony, while Councilor Archie Baribar will lead the Pledge of Loyalty to the Philippine Flag.

The Department of Education Quartet will lead the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, Bacolod Hymn, and Nationalistic Song.

Gasataya, Leonardia, and Familiaran will lead city officials, war veterans, and guests at the wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier.

Also known as “Araw ng Kasarinlan (Day of Freedom),” the day commemorates the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.