informs the President of the end of the inspection of the guards. They march off as the President and the CSAFP walk towards the grandstand area to meet the other dignitaries present. It is followed by the National Anthem, a joint holiday ecumenical prayer, and later by the opening remarks and the Presidential address if needed. Cultural performance Before the parade would start, performances by dance groups and choirs celebrating the anniversary of the nation's independence follow the Presidential address. The traditional cultural performance is a retelling in theatrical form of the Revolutionary period leading up to the formal declaration of independence and the proclamation of the First Republic. Civil military parade As the military parade portion commences, the AFP Combined Band plays "AFP on the March" as it marches past the grandstand and takes post to give way to the AFP parade, led by a general officer and his staff (either on foot or motorized) and followed by the color guard carrying and escorting the National Flag, the Armed Forces Flag and the component flags of the AFP and the combined color guard of the Philippine Marine Corps carrying the colors of the different units, commands and institutions of the Armed Forces. The parade commander in this segment is usually a Major General or Rear Admiral. Following the AFP contingents are units of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard. Joining them is a flypast of aircraft belonging to the AFP, PNP and PCG, and drive pasts of different vehicles of the uniformed services. A civil parade segment follows at the end of the military parade. It is composed of contingents from the government and the private sector marching past the dignitaries. Floats celebrating the national holiday and marching bands take centerstage passing by the dignitaries in this segment. A civilian mobile column is also part of this segment. A common saying during the parade is "Viva la independencia Filipina!". Full order of the military parade Armed Forces of the Philippines Divisional Contingent Parade Commander and Staff National, Armed Forces And MSCs Color Guard Armed Forces Units Color Guard AFP Composite Band 1st Parade Brigade Brigade Commander and Staff Philippine Military Academy Officer Candidate Schools of the Armed Forces Presidential Security Group Philippine Army Security and Escort Battalion Philippine Air Force Honor and Escort Squadron Philippine Navy Headquarters Security Group AFP General Headquarters