PA joins country in celebration of 116th Independence Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9): PA joins country in celebration of 116th Independence Day

The Philippine Army (PA) is joining the nationwide celebration of the country's 116th Independence Day through a concert featuring the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chorale and musical bands.

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said the concert is dubbed as "MUSIKALAYAAN Concert," with combo bands from the AFP major services gathering at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park on June 11 at 6:00 p.m. to perform and entertain the crowd.

Nine combo bands are expected to participate in the free concert.

The concert will feature the Security and Escort Battalion Combo, CRSAFP, GHQ & HSC Combo, the PVAO Chorale Group, and other combos from the AFP major services.

The "MUSIKALAYAAN Concert" will showcase the talents of Filipino soldiers who are also great musicians and singers. The concert will likewise serve as a tribute to Filipino heroes who had made freedom and independence possible.

Meanwhile, the PA has also lined up various activities to commemorate this year's anniversary celebration which is themed, "Pagsunod sa Yapak ng mga Dakilang Pilipino, Tungo sa Malawakan at Permanenteng Pagbabago".

There will be a static/kinetic and photo display from June 11 to 12 at Burnham Green in Luneta Park, showcasing the capabilities of the PA, particularly the Scout Rangers and Special Forces teams of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), as well as the disaster response operation equipment of the 525th Engineering Construction Battalion.

The PA will also set up recruitment booths from June 11 to 12 along South Drive, Luneta Park.

On June 12, there will be a Band and Drills Exhibition at the Quirino Grandstand at 9:00 a.m.

On June 14, another concert will be conducted at Market! Market! in Taguig City with the Security and Escort Battalion Combo together with Civil Relations Service of the military and other combos of the AFP's major services.

The highlight of the celebration is the simultaneous flag raising and wreath laying ceremonies, with the main ceremony to be graced by His Excellency President Benigno S Aquino III at Plaza Quince Martires, Naga City on June 12.

He will be joined by AFP chief Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista and Army commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri, along with other Major Service Commanders, as military host and co-hosts.

The PA marks the Independence Day with a renewed commitment to its mandate, which goes beyond war fighting to winning the peace and nation-building.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=651682