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Kalayaan 2008 12 June 2008 |
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TODAY, we commemorate
the 110th Anniversary of our Independence. Representatives from the
private and government sectors will converge at the Luneta or Rizal Park
to mark our Independence Day with three days of celebration under the
theme: "Republic service, tungo sa ganap na kalayaan at kaunlaran." Festivities actually started last Tuesday, June 10, with the opening of the Sentro K3 – Kaisahan, Kagalingan at Kalayaan ng Bayan exhibit and show. Among the programs under Sentro K3 is: Ang Galing-galing Natin! – a showcase of government programs and services through exhibits and lectures, and a major trade fair featuring the best products of our One Town One Product program. Bayan Ko, Lapit sa Puso Ko!, on the other hand, will provide services to the public through jobs placement, housing, health, etc. The traditional simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying rites will be held at the six designated venues with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo leading the ceremonies here at the Rizal Park. Other venues are: The Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine in San Juan, Metro Manila; Barasoain Church Historical Landmark in Malolos Bulacan; Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City; and the Mausoleo de Los Veteranos de la Revolucion at the Manila North Cemetery. True independence and freedom, however, comes from being economically independent, unfettered by the bondage of poverty. A vital tool towards attaining that freedom is entrepreneurship. And we will highlight it at our MSME or Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises booths today. In the morning after the flag-raising, President Arroyo will meet aspiring entrepreneurs and program beneficiaries at our MSME booths. Checks will be presented and scholarships/training grants awarded. The MSME is key to the President’s poverty alleviation strategy. To promote entrepreneurship, the MSME InterAgency Coordinating Committee (ICC) will conduct two forums at the Luneta Park, starting at 2 p.m.today. The first forum is entitled "Let’s Go Negosyo! Paano ba magsimula?" It is a panel discussion with Go Negosyo entrepreneurs such as Paulo Tibig of V-Cargo, Chinkee Tan, author of "Till Debt Do Us Part," and Jennilyn Antonio of Ehje’s Peanut Butter. From these successful entrepreneurs, we hope to draw inspiration and encouragement. The second forum entitled, "Serbisyong PangNegosyo ng MSME Committee," is a panel discussion that will highlight the services of the MSME Committee member agencies. Some of the panelists include Edgar Generoso of the People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC), Tess Fortuna of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Ramon Lopez of the Go Negosyo, Roger Peyuan of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Benel Lagua of the Small Business Guarantee and Finance Corporation (SBGFC) and Cora Conde of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). After the forums, we will also award training scholarships and checks to beneficiaries of capital seed fund under the Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD) – Self-Employment Assistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K) Program. Luneta is the place to go today. You will find there all the major public services you will need. You will gain insights on what your government is doing for you. And you will be shown, if you look hard enough, what you can do to help the government. So, here’s to freedom and independence! |
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