PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday asked Filipinos to celebrate the freedoms they and the country enjoy, including the freedom of territory and sovereignty as well as the freedom to promote one’s culture and preserve one’s heritage.
The President, in a video message, made the call as the country kicks off today, Monday, the weeklong celebration of the Philippines’ 126th Independence Day.
“Ngayong Hunyo ay ipinagdiriwang natin ang Buwan ng Kalayaan. Napakahalaga at makabuluhan itong selebrasyon na ito para sa ating mga Pilipino. At kung may araw na talagang lubos na pinaghahandaan natin at makikibahagi tayo, ito iyung araw na iyon (This June, we are commemorating the Freedom Month. This is an important and significant celebration for us Filipinos. If there is a day that we fully prepare and we participate, this is that day),” he said.
Marcos said the country continues to fight and defend its freedom, 126 years after the declaration of its independence.
“Kalayaan sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng ating pagka-Pilipino. Higit dito, kalayaan sa ating teritoryo, soberanya. (Freedom in various aspect of being a Filipino. But most of all, freedom of our territory and sovereignty),” he said.
The President said the Philippines continuously monitors the situation and meets with other like-minded nations to seek cooperation and support in pursuing our rights and welfare.
To celebrate Independence Day, Marcos asked the public to display the Philippine flag and participate in national causes.
He also urged Filipinos to continue to enjoy their freedom and practice and promote one’s culture and preserve one’s heritage which would be showcased during this week’s Independence Week celebration.
Starting June 10, some attractions will be opened at the Quirino Grandstand and Burnham Green such as a cooking competition and a “Labuyo Eating Contest,” obstacle course races, nightly free concerts and free film showing about Filipino heroes, “tiangge” for local products and a “Serbisyong Bayan na One-stop Shop Caravan.”
On June 12, 22 floats from different provinces will join the Kalayaan Parade, also at the Quirino Grandstand, followed by a free concert of the P-pop girl group BINI.
Temporary road closure will be implemented in several areas in Manila to give way to the celebration of the country’s 126th Independence Day on June 12.
An advisory issued by the MMDA yesterday said that from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. the following roads will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic:
Roxas Blvd — both lanes from TM Kalaw to P. Burgos; TM Kalaw — from Ma. Orosa to Roxas Blvd. westbound, and from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Roxas Blvd. — from UN Ave to P. Burgos Ave. (both lanes);
TM Kalaw — both lanes from Roxas Blvd. to Taft Ave.; P. Burgos Ave. — both lanes and Finance Road, and Bonifacio Drive — from Anda Circle to P. Burgos Avenue.
MMDA chief Romando Artes said adjacent roads within the Rizal Park and Quirino Grandstand will also be used for the occasion.
Artes also advised drivers, and motorists to take alternate routes during the duration of the closure.
The agency said public utility vehicles and private vehicles going north may take Roxas Blvd right turn to Quirino Ave. or UN Ave. then left turn to Taft Ave. to their destinations, while private on from R-10 going to Anda Circle may turn left to Soriano Ave, turn right to Solana St. turn left to Muralla St., then go straight to Magallanes Drive, turn right to P. Burgos Ave. to their destinations.
Trucks going northbound and southbound can take SLEX, Osmeña Highway, Quirino Ave., Nagtahan St., Lacson Ave., Yuseco St., Capulong St., R-10 Road, to their destinations.
Artes said the MMDA will deploy 1,156 personnel in strategic locations to ensure seamless traffic management.
“Ambulances, military trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks, and other resources will likewise be dispatched,” he added.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will hold Independence Day job fairs in the National Capital Region and other regions in the country.
In a statement, the DOLE said there will be simultaneous job fairs on June 12 outside Metro Manila for a total of 43 sites nationwide. — Ashzel Hachero and Gerard Naval
