PH celebrates 115 years of independence

Photo by JAMIE ELONA/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III led the celebration of the 115th anniversary of Philippine independence in Manila Wednesday.

Aquino raised the flag of the Philippine Post Office (PPO) building in Lawton and also laid a wreath of flowers before the statue of hero Andres Bonifacio.

Dr Maria Serena Diokno, head of the National Historical Commission, accompanied Aquino and gave the introduction speech while outgoing Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim gave the opening remarks.

Department of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Del Rosario were with Aquino in the commemoration of the country’s freedom from Spain’s 300-year rule.

Also in attendance were Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief General Emmanuel Bautista and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino.

Government personnel from the MMDA, Department of Agrarian Reform, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology took part in the celebration.

Students from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila taking their ROTC as well as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of the Philippines also attended the event.