Binay leads 115th Independence Day rites in Luneta

Photo by Jamie Elona

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Jejomar Binay led a flag raising ceremony at the Luneta Park as the country celebrated its 115th year of independence Wednesday.

The flag raising at the shrine of Dr. Jose Rizal was followed by a wreath laying ceremony. A 21-gun salute was also offered to the hero.

Binay was accompanied by Major General Essel Soriano, vice commander of Philippine Army.

Speaking to reporters, Binay said this day served as a time to remember the sacrifices made to attain independence.

Asked if he thought that the country was free, Binay said in Filipino: “It’s possible for us to deal with other nations, we can also offer our goodwill but this doesn’t mean that we’re no longer free.”

Among those gathered were representatives from the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, Knights of Rizal, MASON,Boys and Girls Scout of the Philippines, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

The program that started at 8 a.m. followed the theme: Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran.

Guards wearing the historical gray Katipunero uniform lined up in front of the monument.

Security officers from the Manila Police District were also seen in the area.

Kenneth Montegrande, spokesman of the National Parks Development Committee, said among the programs lined up for this day’s celebration, are the showing of free movies under the theme “SineKlayaan”, a dramatization on Rizal’s execution, a job fair, Sky Diving Exhibition, Band Exhibition, and free medical and dental check-ups.

From 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, on the other hand, will stage a “MusiKalayaan Concert” at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta.