Statue of Gen. Aguinaldo faces site of 1st Philippine Republic. Photo by Dino Balabo
MALOLOS CITY—Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., will lead the commemoration of the 114th anniversary of the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic at the historic Barasoain church here today.
The former Senator will represent President Aquino who was invited earlier, but had to beg off as he would participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.
Magsaysay will be joined by governors from the eight provinces that represent the eight rays of the sun on the Philippine flag.
They are Governors Wilhelmino Alvarado of Bulacan, Lilia Pineda of Pampanga, Aurelio Umali of Nueva Ecija, Victor Yap of Tarlac, Emilio Ramon Ejercito of Laguna, Juanito Victor Remulla of Cavite, Vima Santos-Recto of Batangas, and Mayor Alfredo Lim of Manila.
All abovementioned officials will represent their local government units which are symbolized in the eight rays of the sun as the first provinces that joined the revolution against Spain.
Mayor Christian Natividad of this city explained that they invited the above leaders in an attempt to further expand the annual celebrations.
He said that Republic Day should be observed in the whole country because it marks the birth of Philippine Government.
The same was echoed by Alvarado who cited the importance of the study of history in governance.
He said that history has so much to teach current leaders today, but some are taking it for granted.
Alvarado also noted the benefits of history in relation to tourism.
He said that if Baguio City is known for its flower festival and Pampanga for its annual giant festival, Bulacan is home for the important moments in history.
“Former Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez and other historians used to say that about half of our history as a nation happened in Bulacan, kaya nais nating itanghal ang dakilang lalawigan ng Bulacan bilang bayan ng mga bayani at sa makulay at mahalaga nitong bahagi sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas,” said Alvarado.
With regards to the participation of other governors in the annual Republic Day celebration, Alvarado said, “this will be the first time that leaders of the eight provinces that broke from Spanish colonial rule will be present in marking the anniversary of the First Philippine Republic.
Their presence will add more significance and boost unity among us in preserving one of the most important events in Philippine history.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines Executive Director Ludovico Badoy said that the program will start at 7 a.m. through a flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying activity at Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo’s monument.
“We want to uplift the awareness of our fellow Filipinos especially the young generation that this is a very significant part of our history. It is not only to promote Malolos, not only for Bulacan but for the entire country as well,” said Badoy.
The First Philippine Republic, popularly known as the Malolos Republic, is the first republic in Asia.
It was inaugurated on January 23, 1899 at the Barasoain Church, here where in Gen. Aguinaldo took his oath of office as President of the Republic.
