MANILA, (PIA) -- Outgoing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Sunday led the nationwide simultaneous flag-raising and flower offering at the monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, at Luneta Park in this city, to mark the 124th Independence Day observance.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other more pressing reasons before, this is the first time over the past six years that the President attended the celebration in Rizal Park, the place where Rizal was executed in 1896. Duterte was joined by his Cabinet and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Dr. Rene Escalante.

The Chief Executive also added a twist to the usual flower offering rites by picking a single red rose from the whole bunch as a souvenir, only to be handed over to his military aide shortly after.

This year’s celebration bears the theme “Kalayaan 2022: Pagsuong sa Hamon ng Panibagong Bukas” (Rise Towards the Challenge of a New Beginning).

He did not deliver any speech during the event, but through a taped message, has expressed his optimism that celebrating the country’s independence would inspire Filipinos to be "courageous" and to use their "abilities" for the "benefit" of communities.

“May it inspire us to take after the courage of our heroes as well as encourage us to use our ability, skills, and knowledge for the benefit of our community,” he said.

He hoped the occasion will be a reminder of how the country’s heroes fought for and gained freedom from colonial rule as he hoped Filipinos will take inspiration from the courage displayed by the country's forefathers.

“This occasion is a testament to how our forefathers fought for the freedoms that we enjoy today,” he added.

Duterte likewise hoped that Filipinos would never forget the country’s rich history.

“Take heart all the learnings from the past, especially the countless hardships that we had to endure as a people,” he said.

“Let our rich histories move to translate our love for this country into real acts of goodwill for all our fellow men,” he added.

He also enjoined Filipinos to work together “so that we could realize our vision of a more harmonious and progressive Philippines.”

During the event, the Philippine Air Force demonstrated its aerial capabilities by conducting a high-speed flyby exercise of FA-50PH jet fighters above Luneta Park.

After the flag raising and wreath-laying rites, the President stayed and talked to the members of diplomatic corps for at least 45 minutes. Duterte then approached and exchanged pleasntries with some of the audience and other event participants, including members of the Boy Scout of the Philippines.

The morning event in Luneta, however, was still closed to the public due to the ongoing pandemic but was broadcast live through the official website and social media pages of the NHCP.

Shortly after, NHCP Chairperson Escalante presented the National Quincentennial Commemoration coffee table book to the public in an event dubbed, "Tagumpay at Pasasalamat."

Meanwhile, as part of the simultaneous nationwide Freedom Day rites, other national and Metro Manila local officials led their respective flag raising and wreath-laying ceremonies in different historical landmarks around the National Capital Region.

Supreme Court Justice Alexander Gesmundo and NHCP Officer Alvin Alcid joined outgoing Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan and outgoing 1st District Representative and incoming Mayor Dale Malapitan at the historic Andres Bonifacio Shrine along EDSA.

In his speech, Gesmundo said the country's heroes did not only declare independence during their time, but expressed their wholehearted dedication to fight for their God-given right to freedom.

The City Government of Pasig, led by Mayor Vico Sotto, together with Representative Roman Romulo and the City Council, gathered together at the Plaza Rizal to pay tribute to the Filipinos who fought to have the country's liberty and independence.

In San Juan City, Mayor Francis Zamora led some members of media through a tunnel going to the historic El Deposito Underground Water Reservoir inside the Museo El Deposito within the Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine.

In Quezon City, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto and officials from the NHCP led the ceremonies held inside the City Hall compound honoring Dr. Rizal, President Manuel Quezon, and Bonifacio.

In her message, Mayor Joy Belmonte thanked the modern day heroes like the overseas Filipino workers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs who continue to struggle to keep the Philippine economy competetive despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sotto, for his part, reminded the local government workers to maintain the highest ideals of public service, and for residents to continue extending their full support to nation building.

In Marikina City, Mayor Marcy Teodoro and Representative-elect Maan Teodoro joined the celebrations in SM City Marikina, which carried the theme, "Celebrate Independence Day at SM" with various cultural presentations.

The local governments of Manila, Pasig and Taguig also held job fairs to help jobseekers get gainful employment.

It can be recalled that the country’s first president, Emilio Aguinaldo, proclaimed the Philippines’ independence from the Spanish colonial rule in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.

From 1946 to 1961, the Philippines celebrated Independence Day every July 4. However, it was moved to June 12 by virtue Proclamation No. 28, series of 1962, of President Diosdado Macapagal. In 1964, Congress passed Republic Act 4166 formally designating June 12 of every year as the date on which the country celebrates Philippine independence.

Independence Day is a regular holiday under Proclamation 1236. (PIA-NCR)