Marcos approves inter-agency body for 125th PH independence anniversary

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 3) — An inter-agency body will be created to facilitate the planning and execution of programs for the three-year commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence.

The country will mark 125 years of independence on June 12.

Administrative Order No. 8, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, states that the celebration will span from 2023 to 2026 to "give focus on the freedom that our forebearers struggled for towards that they dreamed for the country and the history that we seek to remember and honor them with."

Marcos directed the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to lead the body, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government will serve as vice-chair.

Members include the Department of Tourism, Department of Education, Department of National Defense, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Budget and Management, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Transportation, and the Metro Manila Development Authority.

According to the order, funds needed will be sourced from available appropriations of the NHCP and the participating government agencies—subject to existing budget, auditing laws, rules and regulations.