Organization and Implementation of Activities and Programs To Celebrate Philippine Independence Day

May 17, 2003

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 73

DIRECTING THE ORGANIZATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS TO CELEBRATE PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE DAY ON JUNE 12, 2003

WHEREAS, there is a need for the Filipino people to commemorate the heroism, and self-sacrifice of our forefathers in the struggle for independence;

WHEREAS, the 105th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence is the ideal occasion for all Filipinos to unite and rally behind the government and the country's institutions;

WHEREAS, there is a need to properly plan, implement and coordinate all programs and activities leading to the said celebration;

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

SECTION 1. The Secretary of Tourism is hereby designated to take the lead in the planning, coordination, implementation and conduct of programs and activities in the celebration of Philippine Independence Day 2003.

SECTION 2. 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 Tourism in the exercise of his responsibilities under this Order.

SECTION 3. All branches of government are enjoined to participate in the Independence Day Celebration as well as to enlist the participation of the private sector groups and the non-government organizations so that the 105th Philippine Independence Day celebration will be a show of unity and strength during these challenging times.

Local government units together with the private sector and the NGOs are likewise enjoined to celebrate Philippine Independence Day in their respective localities.

SECTION 4. The programs and events for the Philippine Independence Day celebration shall include, to the extent appropriate, the following:

a. Pambansang Araw ng Watawat (Philippine National Flag Day) on May 28 as the kick-off ceremony for the two week Pagdiriwang ng Malayang Filipino (Philippine Independence Day Festival) to be conducted from May 28 to June 12, 2003.

b. Raising of the national flag and wreath-laying at the Rizal monument in the Rizal Park on June 12, 2003 at about 7:00 in the morning.

This activity shall be replicated in places of national historical significance such as the Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan; Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; the Bonifacio Monument in Kalookan City; Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion at the Manila North Cemetery and at the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan, Metro Manila.

All other cities and municipalities around the country are enjoined to simultaneously hold similar activities on the same day and time.

c. The Philippine Independence Day Parade at the Quirino Grandstand in the afternoon of June 12 which shall be made meaningful, and relevant to the theme of the celebration, to be followed by a special cultural program and a fireworks display in the evening.

SECTION 5. In support of the 105th Philippine Independence Day celebration, all concerned government agencies and local government units are, subject to budgetary laws and issuances, authorized to allocate such amounts as may be necessary to defray expenses for said event.

SECTION 6. The release of TEN MILLION PESOS (P10,000,000.00) chargeable against the President's Contingent Fund for FY 2003 is hereby authorized to carry out the provisions of this Administrative Order.

Fund augmentation thereon, as may be necessary, shall be sourced from any of the regular items in the 2003 General Appropriations Act or from such other sources as may be determined by the Department of Budget and Management.

SECTION 7. This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 17th day of May, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Three.