Leading independence rites at Barasoain, a homecoming for PNoy

MALOLOS CITY—Officials assured a simple but dignified and solemn celebration of the 114th Independence Day at the historic Barasoain church here on Tuesday.

It will be led by President Benigno Aquino III who will be accompanied by members of the cabinet, diplomatic corps candidates for the 2012 Miss World Philippines.

The celebration which will be led for the first here by the President of the Republic will also be marked with social services from national and local government.

“It will be very simple, solemn but dignified,” said Dr. Serena Diokno, the chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).

In a press conference held here on Friday afternoon, Diokno said that right after the arrival honors for the President at 8AM, an ecumenical prayer will be led by leaders from the Jesus Is Lord Church, Iglesia ni Cristo, United Methodist Church, Muslim community, and the Catholic Church.

She said that Aquino is expected a deliver the independence day message focusing on the theme “Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan.

But some officials who asked not to be named said that the President might also include gains of his recent visits  to the United Kingdom and the United States.

After delivering his message, Diokno said the President will rush back to Malacanang for the traditional “Vin d’ Honneur”, a cocktail reception for the members of the Diplomatic Corps.”

She added that while the “Vin d’ Honneur” is set by mid-morning on Tuesday, at least 20 members of the Diplomatic Corps have confirmed attendance at Barasoain.

Traditionally, Diokno said the President of the Republic lead celebration of the Independence Day at Luneta, while the Vice President leads in Kawit, Cavite; and the senate President or the Speaker of the House lead in Barasoian.

But this has changed since former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led the same celebration in Cebu years ago, and President Aquino in Cavite last year.

For his part, Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado said Independence Day celebrations at Barasoain is a homecoming for the President.

“Its about time, and it’s a homecoming for the President,”Alvarado said noting that Aquino’s ancestors started in Malolos City before moving to Tarlac in late 1800s.

He also said that President’s family still maintain an ancestral house of the Cojuancos here, just a few meters away from the Barasoain Church.

Alvarado added that independence day celebrations here will not end aft after the President depart for Malacang.

He said that the provincial government along with the national government prepared a medical dental mission along with a jobs fair at the Barasoain church yard.

Dra. Jocelyn Gomez, head of the Provincial Public Health Office said that over 200 medical staffs from different hospitals in Bulacan and nearby provinces will lead in treated over 1,000 patients.

For her part, Leilanie Reynoso, the provincial director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said 25 local companies have confirmed to joined the jobs fair which will open 2,000 more jobs.

Aside from the above, she said that companies offering jobs abroad will also join.

She said that similar activities will be held at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park.  (Dino Balabo)