CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — National President of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier M. Zamora joined thousands of Bulakenyo in celebrating the 127th Anniversary of the First Philippine Republic on Friday (January 23), at the historical grounds of Barasoain Church in this city.
The celebration is anchored on the theme ““Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan,” were led by Zamora, as gust of honor, Gov. Daniel Fernando, Vice Gov. Alexis Castro, Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad, Vice Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Dir. Carminda R. Arevalo, and. Rev. Msgr. Domingo Salonga.
Other local officials, government employees, senior citizens, volunteer workers, veterans, teachers, students and other nongovernment organizations also took part in the annual event.
The program started with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the oath to the Philippine flag and wreath-laying at the monument of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first Philippine president.
Zamora, who served as the event’s guest of honor, shared the historical similarities of his city and Malolos, emphasizing the significant role of the Battle of Pinaglabanan in the Philippine revolution.
“Nakakatuwang isipin na ang Malolos at San Juan ay may malinaw na pagkakatulad. Kapuwa naging saksi ang ating mga lungsod sa mahahalagang yugto ng kasayasayan ng ating bayan,” he said.
Zamora also reiterated that San Juan City and the province of Bulacan can work harmoniously to further strengthen their institutions in the name of public service.
“Sa pagkakatulad ng Malolos at San Juan, naniniwala po ako na marami tayong maaaring maisakatuparan nang magkakasama. Bilang Lungsod ng San Juan, Lungsod ng Malolos, at Lalawigan ng Bulacan—maaari tayong magtulungan sa pagpapalakas ng ating mga institusyon at sa higit pang pagpapabuti ng serbisyo sa ating mga mamamayan,” he added.
On the other hand, Gov.Fernando in his message has called on the Bulakenyos to establish genuine unity in the province, believing that preserving the dignity of Bulacan amid the ongoing anomalies begins with cooperation not only from the public officials but also from the people.
“Ako ay paulit-ulit na nananawagan ng magbuklod po tayo. Maging tinig ng katotohanan, ipaglaban ang tama, panatilihin ang dignidad bilang mga Bulakenyo at Pilipino,” Fernando said.
Furthermore, the People’s Governor expressed his gratitude to all Bulakenyos, including the officials from different municipalities and cities, for their hard work and cooperation, particularly in extending a helping hand to those in need.
Meanwhile, City Mayor Natividad reminded the Bulakenyos to never neglect and waste the inherited freedom of the Philippines, which he believes a true legacy left by their Filipino ancestors.
“Sana sa kasalukuyan, kung gaano ikinahaba ang pagnanais natin na magkaroon ng sariling pagkakakilanlan, sa sasandaling ganap na tangan natin ang ating lahi at legasiya ng ating mga ninuno na kung bakit tayo mayroong kalayaan sa kasalukuya’y huwag na nating pabayaang masayang pa at patunayan nating tayong mga Pilipino ay kaya nating ipagmalaki at tanghalin ang isang malayang bansa na para sa mga Pilipino,” Natividad said.
Moreover, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo joined Fernando in front of the Provincial Government of Bulacan building for the ceremonial unveiling of the event dubbed as “Paghahawi ng Tabing ng Pambansang Panandang Pangkasaysayan ng Kapitolyo ng Bulacan.” (UnliNews Online)
PHOTO CAPTION:
National President of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and San Juan City Mayor Francisco Javier M. Zamora was accompanied by Gov. Daniel Fernando in the wreath-laying activity at the monument of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo after the flag-raising ceremony during the commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of the first Philippine Republic on Friday, January 23, 2026 at the historic Barasoain Church in the city of Malolos. (Photo by Manny Balbin)
