CITY OF MALOLOS — “The legacy of Bulacan reminds us that a strong nation is built on the pillars of freedom, justice, and sovereignty—the values we must continue to fight for and uphold. May this celebration serve as a reminder that, as we continue the struggle for our sovereignty, we must also promote responsible leadership. Let us carry forward the legacy of the Malolos Congress—a legacy of courage, unity, and unwavering commitment to the future of our beloved nation.”
This was Governor Daniel R. Fernando’s keynote address before hundreds of Bulakenyos as the guest of honor at the 126th Anniversary of Malolos Congress held on Sunday in front of the historic grounds of Barasoain Church in this city.
He added, in preparation for the opening of the Congress of Malolos on September 15, 1898, the Philippines began exchanging diplomatic documents or diplomatic notes overseas to promote the recognition of the country as a republic.
That’s why Fernando declared that with the current challenges in the West Philippine Sea, he said it is reasonable to ignite the spirit of the Malolos Congress to further claim the territory that is part of the geography of the Philippines through diplomacy.
Gov. Fernando was joined by Alvin R. Alcasid, Representative of National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chair Regalado Trota Jose, Jr. and PNP Provincial Director PCOL. Satur L. Ediong during the wreath laying ceremony in front of the monument of General Emilio Aguinaldo, witnessed by Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro; City of Malolos Mayor Christian D. Natividad; Vice Mayor Miguel Alberto T. Bautista; and Rev. Fr. Domingo M. Salonga of Nuestra Senior Del Carmen.
On his part, Mayor Natividad said looked back at the feelings and changes that took place in our country when the first Malolos Congress was formally opened which paved the way for the formulation of the Malolos Constitution and the declaration on January 23, 1899 as the Republic of the Philippines.
He added, all the freedoms we enjoy are the result of the hardships of our ancestors. On this very day, 126 years ago, we experienced ridicule from our guests and some foreign writers. But because of our efforts and the hostility of our feelings, our ancestors did not care about it.
From a revolutionary and dictatorial rule, we have become a fully democratic and constitutional republic recognized as the first in Asia and Africa.
With the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan”, Fernando also highlighted the importance of the Malolos Congress as a symbol of Filipino patriotism, unity, and strength as he reflected on how the delegates crafted the Malolos Constitution, which laid the foundation for the First Philippine Republic and marked a key moment in the nation’s history.
The Malolos Congress, officially referred to as the National Assembly and commonly known as the Revolutionary Congress, served as the legislative body of the Philippine Revolutionary Government, while its members were elected between June 23 and September 10, 1898.
Further, the Revolutionary Congress was convened on September 15, 1898, at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan and the commemoration its anniversary concludes the weeklong activity of Singkaban Festival 2024. With a report from Verna Santos (UnliNews Online)
