MANILA – President Benigno S. Aquino III will be in Naga City, Bicol on June 12 to lead the Independence Day rites there, Malacanang said on Saturday.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the President chose to celebrate in Naga since he would usually celebrate historical occasions in different provinces that played a role in Philippine independence.
The President has also chosen to celebrate other historical occasions such as the EDSA revolution anniversary in other parts of the country and not just in Metro Manila.
Valte, however said that the President will return to Manila before noon for the traditional vin d’honneur which will be held in Malacanang.
“Sinusundan natin ang mga bayan na nagkaroon ng special significance ng pagtulak ng laban sa kalayaan at kasarinlan,” she said.
(“We are observing other provinces that have had a special significance in pushing for freedom and independence,” she said.)
According to the Naga City official website, the President will be accompanied by City Mayor John Bongat and Rep. Leni Robredo in the flag raising rites at 8:00 o’clock in the morning at Plaza Quince Martires.
The flag-raising will be held simultaneously at the Luneta, in Kawit, Cavite; in Barasoain Churh in Bulacan, as well as in Cebu and other selected historical sites throughout the country.