Press Release
October 11, 2015

Drilon keynotes Senate centennial kickoff

A keynote address by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon will be the main feature of the morning flag ceremony signaling the start of the Senate's centennial anniversary on Monday, October 12, 2015.

Drilon is expected to address employees and guests who will be present for the launch of the "Centennial Year of the Senate," a yearlong event which will be observed from October 2015 to October 2016.

Along with Drilon's speech, Monday's ceremonies in the Senate compound at Pasay City also include a service excellence awarding ceremony for distinguished Senate employees, a mass, sporting events, and the unveiling of the brass marker of Proclamation No. 1091 entitled "Declaring October 2015 - October 2016 as the Centennial Year of the Senate" signed by President Benigno Aquino III last August.

The proclamation stated that the Senate has throughout the years "become a revered democratic institution that consistently upholds the national interest, protects civil, political and human rights, and promotes transparency and accountability in public service."

In an earlier message, Drilon invited the public to join the Senate in commemorating the event and in "reliving the glorious past hundred years of the Senate."

"It has been a century of big achievements and great challenges, of trials and triumphs in service of the Filipino people," Drilon said.

Drilon will lead Senate employees in a three-kilometre fun run and bike run on Monday. Around 263 officials, employees and guest from other government agencies are expected to attend the fun run and bike caravan.

Monday's event is the first among the planned programs and activities planned by the Senate for its centennial year, such as artistic competitions, fitness fairs, and medical and dental missions.

The Senate, which was first established during the Commonwealth period, will turn 100 years old by October 16, 2016. Created under the Jones Law or the Philippine Autonomy Act, it was patterned after the American system of governance and bicameral form of legislature.

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