The Angeles City Government joins the entire nation in celebrating the 126th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, whose theme is “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.”

As the singing of the national anthem, which was led by the AUF Concert Chorus, began,
Guest of Honor – Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo ‘Jon’ B. Lazatin II and Angeles City Mayor Carmelo ‘Pogi’ Lazatin, Jr. led the flag raising and wreath-laying rites, accompanied by Vice Mayor Ma. Vicenta Vega-Cabigting and National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Supervising Historic Sites Development Officer Bryan Anthony C. Paraiso.

CCA Sayaw Angeleño Dance Troupe rendered performances, while Marilou ‘Eljhay’ Tayag and Joel ‘Otu’ David served as Masters of Ceremonies.

The program was held at the Museum of Philippine Social History or Museo ng Kasaysayang Panlipunan ng Pilipinas, which is one of the sites of the traditional simultaneous flag raising and wreath laying rites all over the country. The other sites are: Dambanang Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite, Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos City, Bulacan, Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan City, Mausoleo delos Veteranos dela Revolucion in Manila North Cemetery and Andres Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City.

Flag-raising rites were also done in all twenty-eight (28) NHCP museums and local government units across the country.