Phil. Army Chief Brawner is Baguio’s Rizal Day guest of honor

Baguio-born Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., Commanding General of the Philippine Army, is the Guest of Honor during the city’s observance of the 125th Anniversary of the Heroism of National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal on December 30, 8 am, at the Rizal Shrine.      

This year’s theme is “Rizal: Para sa Agham, Katotohanan, at Buhay (Rizal: for Science, Truth and Life)”.

The City Tourism and Special Events Office said the program will commence with the raising of the Philippine flag and singing of the National Anthem led by the Philippine Military Academy and Baguio City hall choir followed by laying of flowers at the Shrine led by Gen. Brawner together with Rep. Mark Go, Acting City Mayor Faustino Olowan, Jr., and other local officials.    

The traditional sounding of four ruffles, three volleys of fire (21 gun salute), playing of taps, presentation of completion honors will then ensue by the PMA.

This will be followed by a “Pambansang panalangin ng Pagsasakatuparan sa Panata ni Rizal at ng Katipunan sa Puri at Kabanalan ng Lahing Pilipino” and the singing of the Cordillera and Baguio hymns. 

Rizal Day Messages will then be delivered by Acting Mayor Olowan, Rep. Go and Gen. Brawner.  A special token of appreciation will be presented to the Guest of Honor.

Angat Tayo Baguio songwriting competition 1st runner-up Nataja Anjeri Organo will also render a song during the occasion.     

The program will end with the Baguio March by the PMA and Baguio City hall choir. – Gaby B. Keith