Former DOE Sec Petilla emphasizes the importance of ‘looking back’ to achieve progress

CITY OF MALOLOS – “We have to plan for the future but in order to plan for that, we have to look back where we came from. And that’s the essence why we celebrate the founding day of Bulacan.”

This was the message of the former Department of Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla during the commemoration of the 437th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Bulacan held this morning in front of the Provincial Capitol Building in this city.
The former DOE secretary who graced the celebration as the guest speaker highlighted the importance of history in order to plan for the programs and projects that will lead to the progress and development of the country.

He even commended the efforts of the Provincial Government of Bulacan on implementing development programs for the preservation and promotion of the rich culture and history of the province.
Petilla, who also served as the governor of Leyte for nine years, also expressed his gratitude to the organizations and government agencies particularly the province of Bulacan who helped Leyte to stand up again from the damage caused by the super typhoon Yolanda last 2013.

Meanwhile, Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that the province of Bulacan that is known for being the home of the three Republics including the Republic of Kakarong De Sili, Biak-na-bato and the Malolos Republic, bespeaks the vital role of the province in the achievement of national independence.

“Tila nga’t napatunayan na ng ilang mga Bulakenyo ang kanilang mga kakayahan noon at panahon naman natin upang patunayan na ang ipinaglaban ng ating mga ninuno noon ay magagamit natin para sa mabuting paraan na patuloy na ibandera ang kapayapaan at kaluwalhatian na ipamamana natin sa mga susunod na henerasyon,” the governor said.

Moreover, Petilla and Alvarado together with Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando, members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan and other local officials led the wreathe laying ceremony at the monument of Marcelo H. Del Pilar and the launching of the Larawang Bulakenyo Turismo Photo Contest with the theme “Lalawigan Ko, Kikilalanin Ko!”, a competition that will showcase the talents of Bulakenyos in capturing the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the province in a photo.

According to The New Provincial Administrative Code of Bulacan (Chapter II, Section 14), August 15 of every year is declared as the Bulacan Foundation Day and a special non-working holiday in the province as stated in Section 27 or “The Provincial Legal Holidays” of Bulacan.