Independence Day rites set at Nayong Pilipino- Clark Expo

CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines - The Philippine Independence Day will be commemorated at the Nayong Pilipino-Clark Expo on June 9 with local culture as highlight of the program. Officials of Nayong Pilipino will lead the traditional "Aguinaldo Flag Raising Rites" following a replication of the first ever raising of the Philippine flag on June 12, 1896 in Kawit, Cavite. The event will be held at the Heroes Plaza were the replica of the Aguinaldo house and the equally historic Barasoain Church stand in equal prominence. The theme park would effectively bring in the "independence spirit" from spectators along with the other historical attractions related to the celebration of Philippine Independence. Nayong Pilipino is an extension theme park located in a 3.8-hectare portion of the Expo Filipino Complex built under the administration of former president Fidel Ramos. The Expo was ordered closed by former president Joseph Estrada. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo later ordered the reopening of the Expo in a bid to bring back the country's culture, traditions and popular attractions through the relocation of Nayong Pilipino inside the facility. The theme park brings in replicas of historical and cultural attractions from various places of the country, including significant spots associated with Independence Day. The flag raising rites would be followed by Kalinga and Ifugao Dance Rituals and will be marked by performances from the Sto. Rosario Elementary School, as well as anecdotes from local historian Daniel Dizon. The theme park will also formally open the Palarong Pinoy Festival, which will feature native games like Palosebo, Habulan Biik, Pukpok Palayok and Kadang-kadang. The Independence Day Celebration will officially start at 9 a.m. on Monday. Independence Day was previously observed on July 4. But upon the advice of historians, Republic Act (RA) 4166 was signed into law by President Diosdado Macapagal in 1964, proclaiming June 12, which up to that time had been observed as Flag Day, as Independence Day. This year, the June 12 holiday was moved to June 9 in accordance with President Arroyo's "Holiday Economics." However, traditional Independence Day rites in various historical locations in the country would still be held on June 12. - Sun.Star