MALOLOS CITY — The city of Malolos commemorated the 128th anniversary of the establishment of the historic Malolos Congress at Barasoain Church today, honoring the institution’s enduring role in Philippine history.
This year’s celebration carried the theme, “The Malolos Congress: A Guide in Building a United Nation.”
Following longstanding commemorative traditions, the ceremony began with the raising of the Philippine flag and the singing of the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang. This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of General Emilio Aguinaldo.
Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the wreath-laying, joined by Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando, Vice Governor Alex Castro, Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad, Vice Mayor Bebong Gatchalian, and Philippine National Police Provincial Director Col. Jay Baybayin.
The police also rendered a 21-gun salute in honor of Aguinaldo.
In his address, Mayor Natividad urged Filipinos to live out and value their freedom, while recognizing the historical significance of the Malolos Congress.
Governor Fernando, meanwhile, emphasized that no nation can achieve true unity if its people remain divided. He called on citizens to act responsibly amid contemporary challenges such as climate change and the spread of fake news, particularly by becoming more discerning and responsible in listening to and sharing news.
Secretary Gatchalian said the anniversary celebration was not merely an occasion to remember the past but also a reminder of the strength and capacity of the Filipino people when they unite behind a common purpose.
The Malolos Congress, convened in 1898, played a pivotal role in the formation of the First Philippine Republic. The Malolos Constitution, drafted and ratified by the Congress, is widely regarded as Asia’s first democratic constitution.
