Drilon invites public to join Senate’s centennial celebration

MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Franklin Drilon invited the public to join the Senate in its centennial anniversary celebration that will kickoff on Monday.

Drilon urged the public to join in commemorating “reliving the glorious past hundred years of the Senate.”

“It has been a century of big achievements and great challenges, of trials and triumphs in service of the Filipino people,” Drilon said.

The Senate President is expected to deliver centennial message before employees and guests attending the flag-raising ceremony and launch of the “Centennial Year of the Senate,” a yearlong event which will be observed from October 2015 to October 2016.

On Monday, distinguished Senate employees will also be awarded in the service excellence awarding ceremony on Monday. There will also be a mass, sporting events, and the unveiling of the  brass marker of Proclamation No. 1091 entitled “Declaring October 2015–October 2016 as the Centennial Year of the Senate” signed by President Benigno Aquino III last August.

Proclamation No. 1091 states that the Senate “become a revered democratic institution that consistently upholds the national interest, protects civil, political and human rights, and promotes transparency and accountability in public service.”

Aside from Drilon’s keynote address, he will also lead the Senate employees in a three-kilometer fun run and bike run participated by around 263 officials, employees and guests from other government agencies on Monday.

The Senate’s event on Monday are among the first programs and activities planned by the Senate for its centennial anniversary which will include artistic competitions, fitness fairs, and medical and dental missions.

The Senate officially turns 100 on Oct. 16, 2016.