BALANGA, Patricia Mae B.

English College Reading and Writing

Task #3
July 3, 2016

Every inaugural ceremony goes through a lot of planning and a lot of preparation.
Every detail is given consideration from the program or flow of activities, to the clothes
that will be worn, and to the inauguration menu. Last June 30, 2016, the inauguration for the
incoming president Duterte, was held. Observing the event, Dutertes inauguration was a
simple and modest ceremony.
First, Duterte showed simplicity in the way he was dressed. With only a small
Philippine flag located on the left side of his barong matched with khaki slacks, Dutertes
look was very simple and undecorated. His barong did not have intricate embroidered details
compared to the usual barongs that men wear. His khaki slacks stood out among the sea of
guests wearing black slacks.
Second, the inauguration ceremony was a short and direct program. It was held in the
Malacaang Palace instead of the traditional place which is in the Quirino Grandstand.
Duterte arrived at the venue on time. His arrival was followed by a brief encounter between
him and the outgoing President, Aquino. Traditionally, in previous inaugurations, the
outgoing president would give a farewell speech. For this particular inauguration, Aquino did
not give a farewell speech. After Aquino left the Malacaang Palace, Duterte went back
inside to start the inauguration process. As he entered the Rizal Hall, the Philippine National
Anthem was played. Afterwards, there was an ecumenical prayer followed by a musical
number from Freddie Aguilar. The next activity was to read the Resolution of Both Houses

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No. 1 which was done by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon. But before Duterte could take
the official oath, the guests had to wait approximately ten minutes since the activities held
previously ended at an earlier time and it was a protocol for the incoming president to take
the oath at noon. There was also no vin d'honneur after the ceremony. This decision made by
Duterte showed his simplicity. Duterte mentioned it was too lavish.
Third and final point, the inauguration menu was pure Filipino food and it
exemplified simplicity of the event. The caterer for the inauguration was Via Mare a
Filipino cuisine restaurant. The menu included monggo soup which was said to be one of
Dutertes favorite dishes. Other dishes such as lumpia ubod pouch, pandesal with white
cheese, and durian tartlet which is a specialty from Davao. Dalandan juice and pine-mango
cooler were the drinks that were served. Recalling Aquinos inauguration and comparing the
menu, this years inauguration menu was less extravagant.
Reading about the details of previous inaugurations, each one underwent intensive
planning and preparation. Dutertes inauguration was unique and unlike no other
inauguration. It did not follow the traditional ways of the inauguration ceremonies in the
Philippines. Duterte was being practical with the expenses for the event. Indeed the
inauguration ceremony of President Duterte was, all throughout, a simple event.

Bibliography:
Program for the Inauguration of Rodrigo Duterte. (2016, June 29). Retrieved from Official
Gazette: http://www.gov.ph/2016/06/29/program-inauguration-duterte/
Ranada, P. (2016, June 27). Durian tartlet, kesong puti in Duterte inauguration menu.
Retrieved from Rappler: http://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/best-eats/137777duterte-inauguration-menu-food
The Protocol, Ceremony, History, and Symbolism of the Presidential Inauguration. (n.d.).
Retrieved from Malacanan Gov PH: http://malacanang.gov.ph/1608-the-protocolceremony-history-and-symbolism-of-the-presidential-inauguration/