BULAKAN, Bulacan – “Maging isang tunay na anak ng mga bayani.” Thus, said Gov. Daniel Fernando in his fiery speech before more than 1,000 spectators that gathered at the Marcelo H. Del Pilar Shrine in Sitio Cupang, Barangay San Nicolas here for the 172nd birth anniversary of the “Father of Philippine Journalism.”
Fernando, the actor-turned-politician, urged Bulaquenos to remember the sacrifices of the country’s heroes such as Marcelo H. Del Pilar. “We must act (together),” he said.
The Bulacan governor zeroed in on the illegal activities in quarrying operations where “unconscionable” public servants were inadvertently making profits. He said the Bulacan provincial government had already banned the entry of overloaded trucks in the area to protect vital infrastructures.
Earlier, Fernando and Vice Gov. Alexis Castro laid a wreath at the Del Pilar Shrine. On August 16, Fernando issued Executive Order No. 258 declaring a non-working holiday in the entire province implementing RA 7449 (An Act Declaring every Aug. 30 Marcelo H. Del Pilar Day as a Non-Working Holiday for Bulacan).
At Del Pilar’s birth anniversary in 1985, the National Press Club and the Bulacan Press Club joined national and provincial government officials in bringing home the remains of the great propagandist to his birth place in Sitio Cupang.
On August 30, Bulacan province marked the “Del Pilar Day” as the country for the first time observed the National Press Freedom Day after former President Rodrigo Duterte signed April last year RA 116991 declaring the annual Marcelo Del Pilar Day as National Press Freedom Day.
Former Bulacan 1 st District Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado authored the law in Congress after NPC and BPC including Metro Manila and Bulacan historians wrote to Alvarado and to Senator Joel Villanueva to pass the bill declaring the birth of the “Father of Philippine Journalism” as National Press Freedom Day.
Del Pilar used “Cupang,” and “Plaridel” as pseudonyms during the struggle for Philippine independence from Spanish colonization.
He also wrote articles about the tyrants under Spanish regime particularly against the Spanish friars, “La Fraillocracia.”
Del Pilar was born in Sitio Cupang, Barangay San Nicolas on Aug. 30, 1850 and died of hunger and tuberculosis in Barcelona, Spain on July 4, 1896 while he was on self-exile running the newspaper La Solidaridad to continue to enlighten the Filipinos against Spain’s oppression.
Tree planting
Members of the Central Luzon Media Association who attended the occasion later planted Cupang trees at the Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar Integrated School where they used to abound at the time of the hero.
In tribute and honor to Del Pilar, CLMA president Carmela Estrope-Reyes wanted the trees to be grown again particularly for the children and the folks to see and enjoy.
The Cupang tree with scientific name Parkia Timoriana and also known as P. Javanica is now one of the country’s indigenous trees. It is one of the best Philippine plants used for reforestation because it strongly holds water, prevents soil erosion and gives huge shade. It is fast growing and is sun loving and both sun and shade tolerant.
Estrope’s, late father, Rodrigo M. Reyes of People’s Journal and former president of Bulacan Press Club and one of the strong leaders of CLMA during his time, started the tradition of celebrating Del Pilar’s birth as somewhat a journalist’s feast where they gathered at his place in Paliwas St., Barangay Cupang-Maysantol for simple celebrations. They held forums and open free discussions about the hottest issues, politics, etc.
