PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. will lead the commemoration of the country’s 126th Independence Day today, Wednesday, enjoining Filipinos to celebrate and cherish the freedom they enjoy.
The President will start the day by leading the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at Luneta Park in Manila, rites that will be held simultaneously in different parts of the country.
Marcos will also host the Independence Day vin d’ honneur for the diplomatic corps in Malacanang and lead the Kalayaan Parade at the Quirino Grandstand where 22 floats from different provinces will participate.
Over the weekend, the President asked Filipinos to join different activities commemorating Independence Day and celebrate the freedom they enjoy while promoting the culture and preserving our heritage amid the threats to the country’s territory and sovereignty.
Marcos also asked the public to display the Philippine flag and participate in national causes.
“This June, we are commemorating the Freedom Month. This is an important and significant celebration for us Filipinos. If there is a day that we fully prepare and we participate, this is that day,” he said.
Marcos said the country continues to fight and defend its freedom 126 years after the declaration of our independence.
“Kalayaan sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng ating pagka-Pilipino. Higit dito, kalayaan sa ating teritoryo, soberanya. (Freedom in various aspects of being a Filipino. But most of all, freedom of our territory and sovereignty),” he said, adding the Philippines continuously monitors the situation and meets with other like-minded nations to seek cooperation and support in pursuing our rights and welfare.
To celebrate Independence Day, the government conducted cooking competitions featuring well-known Filipino dishes, a “Labuyo Eating Contest,” obstacle course races, nightly free concerts and free film showing about Filipino heroes, “tiangge” for local products and a “Serbisyong Bayan na One-stop Shop Caravan.”
PIMENTEL’S CALL
Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel III called on Filipinos to “cherish the birth of our Republic and reflect on the sacrifices made by our forefathers” as the nation commemorates the 126th Independence Day.
“I join the entire nation in commemorating our country’s Independence Day. As we celebrate this day, ley us also commit ourselves to preserving the spirit of freedom and independence for future generations,” Pimentel said.
He said the people should use the occasion “to remind ourselves” of the many challenges the country faces at present including inflation, joblessness, poverty, corruption, and crimes.
He said these are the modern-day enemies that Filipinos “must strive to overcome.
“Let us fight inflation and work towards economic stability for all. Let us fight for salary hikes that reflect the true cost of living and give dignity to each hardworking Filipino. Let us put an end to corruption. Let us address joblessness and poverty as a nation. Let us work together to make our country safer for its people,” he said.
“May the nation and its people be freed from these burdens. Together, let us build a nation that embodies the true essence of freedom — one that is prosperous, just, and inclusive for all. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” he said.
NO NUMBER CODING
The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program or number coding scheme will be lifted today as the country celebrates its 126th Independence Day, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority said.
In an advisory posted on its official Facebook page, the agency said number coding is automatically lifted in the metropolis during regular holidays, such as the celebration of Independence Day.
Earlier, the MMDA also announced road closures for the Independence Day celebrations.
MMDA chief Romando Artes said the agency will deploy 1,156 personnel in strategic locations to ensure seamless traffic management.
“Ambulances, military trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks, and other resources will likewise be dispatched,” Artes said.
JOB FAIRS
More job opportunities overseas will be offered to jobseekers as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) holds its Independence Day Mega Jobs Fair today at Robinsons Galleria-Ortigas in Quezon City.
In its latest data, the DMW said 7,216 overseas employment posts will be during the one-day job fair.
The Department said 18 land-based recruitment agencies and five sea-based manning agencies will participate in the event.
Among the most common job offers are health workers and nurses in the United States, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Germany, and Qatar.
Saudi Arabia, Japan, Canada, and Guam also need engineers and machine operators.
The Department also noted that factory and construction workers are in demand in Canada, KSA, and Japan.
The DMW also noted that hotel workers as well as food and beverage workers are being sought in Japan, Macau, Croatia, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, and Brunei.
DOUBLE PAY
Employees who will report for work today are set to receive double pay, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Based on Labor Advisory No. 07-2024, the DOLE said that for work done today, the employer should pay a total of 200 percent of the employee’s wage for the first eight hours. The employer shall pay the employee an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate for overtime work.
For work rendered during a regular holiday that falls on the employee’s rest day, employers should pay their employees an additional 30 percent of the basic wage of 200 percent for eight hours of duty and an additional 30 percent for overtime work. — With Raymond Africa, Ashzel Hachero and Gerard Naval