March 20, 2009

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 259

DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT TO LEAD THE ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 111TH ANNIVERSARY OF PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE ON JUNE 12, 2009

WHEREAS, the heroism, patriotism and nationalism of our forebears in the struggle for independence of our country merit noble commemoration; TEDHaA

WHEREAS, the 111th Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence is an ideal occasion for all Filipinos to unite and celebrate the freedom and liberty of our nation and to rally behind the government and the country's institutions;

WHEREAS, in order to have a truly meaningful celebration, the proper planning, coordination and implementation of all activities are needed;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. The Secretary of Labor and Employment is hereby directed to take the lead in the planning, coordination, and implementation of the program of activities and events in celebration of Independence Day on June 12, 2009, with the theme "Kagitingan, Kagalingan at Kasipagan Tungo sa Tunay na Kalayaan". SHIcDT

SECTION 2. The Department of Labor and Employment, as the lead agency of the celebrations, shall convene inter-agency organizing task force to plan, coordinate and implement effectively all programs, projects and activities related to this national event.

SECTION 3. All departments, bureaus, offices, national government agencies, local government units and government owned and controlled corporations are hereby enjoined to give full support, assistance, and cooperation to the Secretary of Labor and Employment in the exercise of his responsibilities under this Administrative Order.

SECTION 4. All branches of the government are enjoined to actively participate in the Independence Day celebrations, as well as to enlist the participation of private sector groups and non-government organizations, so that the commemoration of the 111th Anniversary of the country's independence will truly demonstrate the spirit of patriotism, unity and national identity of the Filipino people.

Local government units, together with private sector groups and non-government organizations, and the Philippine Embassies abroad are likewise enjoined to celebrate Independence Day in their respective localities and offices.

SECTION 5. The events and activities for the Philippine Independence Day Celebration shall include, to the extent appropriate, the following:

a. Pambansang Araw ng Watawat (National Flag Day) on May 28, as the kick-off ceremony. aEHASI

b. Flag-Raising and Wreath-Laying Ceremonies at the Rizal National Monument, Rizal Park, Manila, in the morning of June 12.

 This particular activity shall be replicated in places of national historical significance, such as the Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos City, Bulacan; the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; the Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion at the Manila North Cemetery; the Bonifacio National Monument in Caloocan City; and the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan, Manila. All other cities and municipalities around the country are enjoined to simultaneously hold similar activities on the same day and time.

SECTION 6. The Department of Budget and Management is hereby directed to provide the necessary funding support for the expenses in connection with the activities commemorating the 111th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, chargeable against appropriate funds for the purpose and subject to existing and pertinent budgetary, auditing rules and regulations. SIcTAC

SECTION 7. In support of the celebrations, all concerned government agencies and local government units, subject to budgetary laws and issuances, are authorized to allocate such amounts as may be necessary to defray expenses for the said event.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 20th day of March, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Nine.