“Barasoain contributes to the significance of Kawit” – Alvarado

CITY OF MALOLOS – Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said that the events that transpired in Barasoain Church 118 years ago contributed to the importance of the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite, during the commemoration of the Opening of Malolos Congress in this city, Thursday morning.

“Sinasabing walang saysay ang Kawit kung wala ang Barasoain. Dito humantong ang lahat ng pakikibaka ng ating mga ninuno para mabawi sa loob ng 333 taon ang kalayaang inagaw sa atin ng mga dayuhan,” Alvarado said.

The governor said that the Malolos Congress, which is parliamentary in nature, is still the model that ushers change and would spur bright future for the country.

He also stressed that this event still serves as an inspiration and a strong catalyst that could foster unity and change in the Philippines.

“Bagama’t ang sansaglit na kaluwalhatian ng Barasoain ay nilamon ng mga daluyong ng kasaysayang humampas sa ating dalampasigan sa pagdatal ng ika-20 siglo ang kadakilaan ng ating lalawigan ay laging magiging bahagi ng ating kamalayan at patuloy na magiging batis ng masaganang inspirasyon ng darating pang henerasyon ng mga Bulakenyo,” he added.

Prior to this, Alvarado together with Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando, Mayor Christian Natividad, acting Bulacan Police Director Senior Supt. Romeo Caramat, Jr. and Department of Tourism Assistant Secretary Rolando Cañizal led the wreath laying ceremony in front of the statue of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo accompanied by a 21- gun salute as a tribute to the first president of the country.

Cañizal, who represented President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in the event, said that the commemoration of the 118th Anniversary of Malolos Congress is not only an annual tribute but also serves as a mirror of the path that would lead to a united Philippines.

“Nawa ang mga pook tulad ng Barasoain na saksi sa mahahalagang pangyayari sa ating kasaysayan ay hindi lamang natin ituring na atraksyon kundi pahalagahan bilang isang lugar na kapupulutan ng kaalaman habang ang pagdiriwang ng Singkaban ay patuloy nating tangkilikin na nagsisilbing repleksyon ng kultura, tradisyon at sining na nakaukit na sa ating kamalayan,” Cañizal said.

He also said that the celebration symbolizes the “triumph of freedom” that serves as a bridge of the past to the present.