PRESIDENT and general manager of Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Jesus Clint Aranas will be the guest of honor and speaker at the 120th Independence Day celebration in Bacolod on June 12.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said Aranas already accepted the invitation, and the organizing committee is pleased and honored.

“The president and general manager of GSIS is from Bacolod and we are very proud of that. GSIS is a vital component of our country’s sense of financial security and it is only when that economic stability is enjoyed by our government employees, and the citizenry in general, that we can truly say we have earned our independence. We find his involvement very meaningful,” the mayor said.

The Independence Day celebration will start with a flag-raising ceremony at the Bacolod City Public Plaza at 6:30 a. m.

It will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of Unknown Soldier, also at the Public Plaza.

A program will immediately follow at the Public Plaza stage, where Aranas will be guest of honor and speaker.

The Independence Day parade will follow starting 1:00 p.m., from the Sacred Heart Shrine (Lupit Church) to the Public Plaza.

Also expected in the celebration are Representative Greg Gasataya, Leonardia, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, top city and national government officials, war veterans, civic leaders and private citizens.

Traditionally, the Department of Education composes the bulk of the attendees and participants. (PR)