ANGELES CITY -- The Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles City's heritage district will play center stage on June 12 as the city joins the nation in celebrating the 117th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Angeles City is one of the official sites recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to join other historical sites around the country for the simultaneous raising of the Philippine Flag, led by President Benigno Aquino in Iloilo City.
According to the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO), preparations are underway for this year's celebration, with the theme, "Kalayaan 2015: Tagumpay sa Pagbabagong Nasimulan, Abot Kamay na ng Bayan."
The celebration will start at 7:00 a.m. with "Parada ng Pagkakaisa" (socio-civic parade) from Museo ning Angeles (former Angeles Town Hall) to the Pamintuan Mansion, which will then followed by an arrival ceremonies for the Guest of Honor, Chairman Francis Tolentino of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Tolentino will lead local officials, representatives from the NHCP and other national government agencies, Kuliat Foundation, Inc., and the public during the simultaneous flag raising ceremony and the laying of wreath at the historical marker in front of the mansion.
The MMDA Chairman is also expected to deliver the Independence Day message on behalf of President Benigno Aquino III.
Realizing Pamintuan Mansion's significance
Pamintuan, on the other hand, will also address the attendees on the importance of the Pamintuan Mansion in Philippine history.
After the outbreak of the Philippine american War in 1898, President Emilio Aguinaldo moved the seat of his government to the Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles. On June 12, 1899, President Emilio Aguinaldo presided over the first and only celebration of Philippine Independence during his time, where the original flag used in Kawit, Cavite was unfurled, accompanied by the Marcha National Filipina which later on became the Philippine National Anthem.
UYAT Artista, a local theater arts group will perform a reenactment of that first anniversary celebration while a special dance performance will be rendered by Sinukwan Kapampangan Performing Arts.
The singing of “Pilipinas kong Mahal” by all participants and attendees will cap this year’s independence day observance.
Other historical venues include the Barasoain Church, Rizal National Monument (Rizal Park), Aguinaldo Shrine, Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine, Mausoleo De Los Veteranos de la Revolucion (Manila North Cemetery), and Bonifacio National Monument (Caloocan City). (AC-CIO)