President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo Friday renewed her commitment to protect the country from the global economic crisis and called on the help of Filipino people, including the business community, to do their share in overcoming the challenge.

At the Independence Day reception in Malacañang, the President said the government will continue to create jobs and keep prices low.

With the country posting a .04 percent growth in the first quarter, the President also called on the local and foreign business community to invest in the country despite the sting of the world economic slump.

“Today we call upon our nation’s sense of community and solidarity to gain freedom from economic deprivation as the world faces an economic crisis,” she said in her remarks before diplomats, cabinet members, lawmakers, and senior government officials.

“The government will provide incentives to help the private sector keep and create jobs. The government
will also continue to come to the rescue of the poorest among us with targeted subsidies with food, fuel, and rice,” she added.

The President said the world economy has showed signs of recovery and expressed hope of an imminent economic rebound. She said the government will continue to invest in modern infrastructure and better social services while ensuring the nation's fiscal health remains sound.

Earlier Friday morning, the President led a flag hoisting ceremony in Koronadal City, saying it stresses the need for the nation to unite to fight the global financial crisis and solve the Mindanao conflict.

Assisted by Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, Mayor Fernando Miguel, Gov. Daisy Fuentes, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa, and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Victor Ibrado, President Arroyo hoisted the Philippine flag at 7:50 a.m. at the Jose Rizal Park.

Mrs. Arroyo also cited the urgency of the need to resume peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“We must go back to the peace process and we are waiting for Malaysia to set the date and the venue of the peace talks to find a lasting peace in Mindanao,’ Mrs. Arroyo said.

From Koronadal City, the party of President Arroyo motored to nearby Isulan, capital town of Sultan Kudarat where Gov. Teng Mangudadatu and Rep. Pax Mangudadatu and Rep. Arnulfo Go briefed her about the province’s solid waste management and the peace and order condition in the area.

Secretary Jose “Lito” Atienza Jr. of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources led the Independence Day rites at the Rizal Park in Manila, with the theme “Kagitingan, Kagalingan, at Kasipagan Tungo sa Tunay na Kalayaan.”

The celebration was highlighted by the Kalayaan Megajob and Livelihood Fair at the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in front of the Quirino Grandstand. The jobs and livelihood fair is open to the public until Sunday, June 14. Around 170,000 job opporunities in various industries and government service are offered at the three-day fair.

Two hundred fifty-two jobseekers were hired on the spot during the job fair Friday, according to Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) National Capital Region (NCR) Director Raymundo Agravante. Most of the positions that were filled, however, are “emergency positions” in the government, giving the hired workers temporary jobs for not more than six months.

In Quezon City, Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. led the city officals and employees in the celebration. He said spreading the city’s gains of development, particularly among the poor, signifies QC’s own path to independence. He assured that the city government will continue working to embody the jdeals of the Katipunan.

In Kawit, Cavite, Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said the struggle for reforms and changes will have to continue 111 years after the countrry proclaimed its independence from colonial rule. He called on Filipinos, particularly young people, to emulate the national heroes who exemplified unity, bravery, and patience and exercised resiliency and self-sacrifice to win the country's independence.

Present at the Kawit rites were Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Secretary Leandro Mendoza of the Department of Public and Works Highways, Cavite Gov. Erineo S. Maliksi, Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle, Imus Mayor Emmanuel L. Maliksi and other municipal mayors, Cavite 1st District Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya, a grandson of General Aguinaldo, former Prime Minister Cesar Virata, Naval Base Commodore Nestor Losbanez, the Shrine military host; Philippine Fleet Commander Admiral Geronimo Defensor, and other military officers.

In Malolos, Bulacan, thousands of people gathered at the historic Barasoain Church. Gov. Joselito Mendoza, in his speech, thanked the Bulacan Provincial PESO Federation, WOW Card, Inc., the Personnel Managers Association of the Philippines (PMAP)-Bulacan Chapter, and SM City Baliwag for their participation in the activities.

Secretary Jesli Lapus of the Department of Education, in his speech, said it is high time that every Filipino should work hand in hand and unite to fight poverty and the global crisis and strive for development as well as creation of more jobs.

In San Fernando, Pampanga, the Central Luzon police at Camp Olivas celebrated Independence day by releasing hundreds of balloons and pairs of doves to symbolize peace and freedom.

In Marawi City, the Philippine flag was raised at 8 a.m. at the Provincial Capitol. Lanao del Sur is set to mark it 50th anniversary on July 4, 2009. Raifah Rakiin Adiong delivered a message in behalf of Vice Gov. Arsad RPK Marohombsar who said the celebration commemorates the fight of Maranao heroes against foreign invaders in the so-called Moro Wars along with their Tausug and Maguindanao brothers.

“Our rich history has been sanctified by the sacrifices of Muslim martyrs as we raise the flag today, to show patriotism and ethnical unity,” Adiong said.

Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano of the Department of Tourism and Secretary Ronaldo Puno of the Department of Interior and Local Government led the observance of the 111th Philippine Independence Day in Butuan City and in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, respectively.

Celebrations were also held simultaneously staged in other cities and provinces in the Caraga region, including Surigao City, Bislig City, and Tandag, Surigao del Sur.

In the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan expressed hope that the celebration will inspire Filipinos.

“Our heroes fought to achieve sovereignty and to bring honor and glory to the nation. They fought to gain freedom from foreign oppressors in the hope that one day we, the Filipinos, will be prosperous and strong nation. Let us not lose sight of the true significance of their sacrifices and victory," he said.

"The Moro people share this special day in the country's history," ARMM Executive Secretaryc Oscar Sampulna said at the the regional observance held at the ARMM Capitol Complex in Cotabato City.