VP Leni Robredo leads Independence Day celebration at the Rizal Park in Manila. (PIA photo)

MANILA, June 13 (PIA)--Vice President Leni Robredo led the flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Park in Manila on Tuesday as part of the celebration for the country's 121st Independence Day.

Robredo also led the wreath-laying before the monument of national hero Jose Rizal in the presence of other government officials.

She was joined by the Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (VCSAFP) Lieutenant General Salvador Melchor B. Mison Jr. and outgoing Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

In her Independence Day message earlier released by her office, Robredo called on the public to never forget the lessons of history and honor the sacrifices of the forefathers who fought for the country's freedom. At the same time, she reminded Filipinos of their responsibility to defend and preserve that freedom for future generations.

Mayor Guia Gomez leads 121st Independence Day celebration in San Juan City. (PIA photo)

San Juan

In San Juan, the Philippine flag was also raised at the San Juan City Hall.

Outgoing Mayor Guia Gomez and guest of honor Undersecretary Marivel Sacendoncillo of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) laid a wreath at the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan City.

The shrine sits on the site of the first battle of the 1896 Philippine Revolution led by the Katipuneros against Spanish colonial rule.

In her message, Sacendoncillo emphasized the balance appreciation of rights must also be balanced with the appreciation of responsibilities to the country and people.

Flag raising ceremony at the Mausoleo delos Veteranos dela Revolucion, Manila. (PIA photo)

Mausoleo delos Veteranos dela Revolucion, Manila

At the Mausoleo delos Veteranos dela Revolucion, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office administrator Ernesto G. Carolina representing Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana led the Independence Day celebration with Manila Vice Mayor Ma. Sheila Lacuna Pangan as guest of honor.

Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion, located at the Manila North Cemetery is a national shrine for those who fought in the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War.

Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin in Caloocan

City. (PIA Photo)

Caloocan City

Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin led the flag raising ceremony at the Bonifacio Monument in Caloocan City.

In his message, the chief justice urge the people to unite and contribute to the development of the country and to cherish the freedom that we have.

Bersamin also challenged every Filipino not to rely on foreign assistance but to strive harder and be diligent.

The chief justice was the guest of honor during the occasion hosted by the City Government of Caloocan. He was received by Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan, Vice Mayor Luis Macario Asistio, and Representative Edgar Erice. (PIA InfoComm)