PIA Press Release
Friday, January 20, 2012

VP Binay to grace 113th anniversary of First Philippine Republic

CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan, Jan. 20 (PIA) -- Vice President Jejomar Binay is expected to grace the celebration of the 113th anniversary of the First Philippine Republic on Jan. 23 at the historic Barasoain Church.

Being one of the most sought after powerful figures to attend big events in Bulacan, Binay will be the guest speaker in the annual commemoration typified with Philippine flags and military honors which will start at 6:30 a.m.

Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado said he asked municipal mayors to set up flags in their localities as a reminder that Bulacan is a province of heroes who fought and offered their lives for freedom prior and after the 1896 Philippine Revolution.

“If Baguio is famous for its flowers and Pampanga for its colorful lanterns, then we want to present our noble province of Bulacan as a community of heroes and their vivid and significant part in Philippine history,” said Alvarado in Filipino.

Meanwhile, Alex Balagtas, head of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)-Bulacan-Zambales cluster, suggested that Jan. 23 must be declared as a Republic Day or a holiday since it is the foundation date of the republic. He added that the importance of the celebration must be taught in schools by including it in the curriculum.

The unveiling of the marker entitled, “Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo y Famy” will also be held in recognition to what the Provincial Public Affairs Office said was “his participation as general in many historical events that took place at the Barasoain Church and in the entire province.”

Alvarado is expected to grace the commemoration together with Vice Governor Daniel Fernando, representatives of each district of Bulacan, Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad, Vice Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian, NHCP chair Ma. Serena Diokno, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and municipal mayors.

Later in the event, history books and plaques of recognition will be given to the guests. Also, the patio of Barasoain Church will be surrounded with exhibits and stalls made of bamboo.

The First Philippine Republic, which was also the first republic in Asia, was founded on Jan. 23, 1899, concurred with the oath-taking of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo as the first president of the country. (CLJD/JMG-PIA 3)