CEBU, Philippines — The national celebration of the 121st Philippine Independence Day would be held in Lapu-Lapu City on Wednesday.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman Dr. Rene Escalante said the celebration would serve as a prelude to the three big events happening in Cebu in 2021.
These are the fifth centenary of the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines; 500th anniversary of the victory in Mactan; and the first circumnavigation of the Earth by Ferdinand Magellan.
Escalante said President Rodrigo Duterte was invited but has begged off because of prior commitments. A member of the cabinet, however, is expected to come on behalf of the president.
Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino confirmed that the president is not coming to Cebu for the Independence Day celebration.
A simultaneous flag raising ceremonies would be held by various local government units in Cebu and the entire country during the occasion. (FREEMAN)