CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian called for unity and a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the needs of Filipinos during the 128th anniversary commemoration of the opening of the Malolos Congress on Tuesday (September 15) at the historic ground of Barasoain Church in this city.
Gatchalian said the spirit of cooperation and collective action demonstrated by the Malolos Congress remains relevant in confronting the challenges faced by Filipino families and communities today.
He stressed the need for government agencies, local governments, and other sectors to work together in delivering responsive services and assistance to those in need.
“Mahalaga ang whole-of-nation approach. Walang pag-unlad na makakamit ng mag-isa, kailangan natin ang bawat isa. Magkaiba man ang ating pinanggagalingan, iisa ang ating bayan. At sa kabila ng ating pagkakaiba, kaya nating magkaisa para sa isang Pilipinas na makatao, mas makatarungan at walang napapabayaan,” Gatchalian said, citing national government, local government units, communities, civil society, and other sectors should work together to ensure that every intervention is holistic, coordinated, and genuinely responsive to the needs of the people.
Sec. Gatchalian, together with Governor Daniel R. Fernando and OIC-Provincial Director P/Col. Jay B. Baybayan led the wreath-laying ceremony and witnessed by City of Malolos Mayor Christian D. Natividad and Vice Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian.
Meanwhile, Governor Fernando underscored that unity does not mean having identical opinions, but rather having differences while allowing cooperation and understanding to prevail for the good of the country.
“Dahil ang pagkakaisa ay hindi nangangahulugang pare-pareho tayo ng opinyon. Ang tunay na pagkakaisa ay ang pagkakaroon natin ng pagkakaiba, ngunit mananaig pa rin ang pagtutulungan at pagkakaunawaan para sa ating bansa,” Fernando said.
He noted that leadership carries the responsibility to lead, listen, act, and remain accountable to the people, emphasizing that public trust must be earned through services that Filipinos can genuinely feel and experience.
The Malolos Congress, inaugurated on September 15, 1898, was the first congress of the First Philippine Republic and played a vital role in shaping the country’s democratic institutions and Constitution. It served as the culminating activity of the Singkaban Festival 2026 celebration. (UnliNews Online)
