Aquino leads Independence Day rites at Barasoain Church

President Benigno Aquino III led flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Barasoain Church in Bulacan early Tuesday to mark the nation's 114th Independence Day rites.

 

Aquino's convoy arrived before 8 a.m. for the ceremonies at the Barasoain Church in Malolos in Bulacan, which highlighted this year's Independence Day activities.

 

The Barasoain Church has figured in important events in the country, as the venue of the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic on January 23, 1899.

 

The church also served as a temporary residence of General Emilio Aguinaldo.

 

It was also there that the First Philippine Congress was convened on September 15, 1898.

 

The Malolos Constitution was also drafted there from September 29, 1898 to January 21, 1899.

 

Aguinaldo and former President Joseph Estrada were also sworn into office there.

 

Elsewhere, Vice President Jejomar Binay was scheduled to lead flag-raising ceremonies at Rizal Park in Manila, while other officials led flag-rising ceremonies in historically significant venues like Cavite and San Juan City. –KG, GMA News