MALOLOS CITY — Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando led on Wednesday the commemoration of the 123rd anniversary of the opening of Malolos Congress, expressing hope that the occasion would serve as an inspiration to Bulakenyos amid the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Fernando cited the importance of the event that paved the way to the establishment of the First Philippine Republic. He expressed optimism that by remembering the historic event, Bulakenyos will see a ray of hope beyond the obtaining health crisis.
“The memory of the Malolos Congress should serve as an inspiration to the province’s current battle for the return to normality amid the coronavirus pandemic,” he said in an interview.
Fernando, together with Vice Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) representative Candido Castro, City of Malolos Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian and Vice Mayor Noel Pineda, and Bulacan Police Provincial Office Provincial deputy provincial director Lt. Col. Allan Palomo, attended the commemoration rites held on the grounds of the historic Barasoain Church here.
The event was bannered by the theme “Kongreso ng Malolos: Gabay sa Pagsulong sa Hamon ng Kasalukuyang Panahon.” It started with flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies on the monument of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.
The commemoration of the 123rd anniversary of the Malolos Congress was the culminating activity of the weeklong Singkaban 2021 celebration organized by the NHCP and the province through the Provincial History, Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office.
Also present at the event were Dr. Eliseo de la Cruz, head of the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office, and some local government employees.
September 15 was declared a special non-working holiday in Bulacan for the Malolos Congress anniversary observance.