APSL to hold flag raising rites in Blacktown

 
By Evelyn A. Opilas, PRO
Blacktown-NSW-Australia
May 24, 2019
 


The Australia Philippines Services League (APSL) holds the traditional Philippine Independence Day flag raising rites at the Blacktown Village Green 10:30am Saturday, 8 June, a Blacktown City Council-supported event for over 15 years.

 APSL Supreme Commander Chris Pilao has asked participants to arrive early to enable the ceremony to start on time.

“We follow military time during important occasions such as the flag raising ceremony to mark Philippine Independence Day,” said the APSL head.

Consul General Maria Teresa Taguiang of the Philippine Consulate General Sydney has been invited to attend the flag rites as well as Blacktown City Council officials led by Mayor Stephen Bali MP.

The Philippines marks 121 years since then president of the Philippine Republic General Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence of the Philippines from the colonial rule of Spain 12 June 1898, for the first time raising the Philippine flag to the tune of Lupang Hinirang in Kawit, Cavite.

This year’s Philippine Independence Day celebration revolves on the theme ‘Tapang ng Bayan Malasakit sa Mamamayan,” roughly translated into “the Nation’s strength is concern for her citizens.”

Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and Delfina Herboza made the first Philippine flag in Hong Kong, while the now national anthem was composed by Julián Felipe and played by the San Francisco de Malabon marching band then.

According to Wikipedia, “The Act of the Declaration of Independence was prepared, written, and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista in Spanish. The Declaration was signed by 98 people, among them a United States Army officer who witnessed the proclamation….”

Light snacks, courtesy of Blacktown City Council, follows the flag raising ceremony.

APSL comprises men and women who served and who are serving with the Philippines’ Armed Forces, and descendants of World War II veterans.