KIKO TO LEAD INDEPENDENCE DAY FLAG-RAISING RITES
IN HISTORIC PAMINTUAN MANSION

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan will lead flag raising rites in the historic Pamintuan Mansion in Angeles City, Pampanga for the 113th commemoration of Philippine Independence.

The Pamintuan Mansion, built in 1890 by Don Mariano Pamintuan and used by Gen. Antonio Luna as the army's headquarters in March 1899, also became the seat of the Aguinaldo government in June 1899 and was the site of the first and only public celebration of the Declaration of Philippine Independence.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines has recognized the historical value of the Pamintuan Mansion and has included it among the seven official sites for the simultaneous flag raising ceremonies in this year's celebration of the Philippine Independence Day nationwide.

Pangilinan, a Kapampangan hailing from Santo Tomas, is proud to return to his hometown to mark Independence Day in a historically significant location.

"Throughout our colorful and sometimes turbulent history, we have witnessed the courage and the resilience of the Kapampangans, as well as our fellow Filipinos, who have valiantly fought for our sovereignty against colonial powers. Although times have changed, we still have many battles to overcome and we still need to wage daily battles against poverty, hunger, and corruption. This Independence Day celebration reminds us that freedom in all its forms will not automatically fall on our laps. We have to earn it," Pangilinan said.