Bulacan commemorates Flag Day, inaugurates the newly-renovated Capitol building
CITY OF MALOLOS – The Provincial Government of Bulacan together with thousands of Bulakenyos remembered the historic first unfurling of the Philippine national flag, 120 years ago today, through a flag raising ceremony held in front of the Capitol building in this city.
Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana graced the event as the guest of honor and underscored the importance of the national flag as a symbol of sovereignty. He also joined Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando, Bulacan Acting Provincial Director PS Supt. Chito Bersaluna and other provincial officials in the oath to the national flag and wreathe laying ceremony before the monument of Marcelo H. del Pilar.
“Mayaman ang kasaysayan ng ating watawat na kasing yaman ng pinagdaanan ng ating bansa at ng lahing Pilipino kaya naman nararapat lamang na bigyan itong halaga at respeto, sapagkat ito ay isang alaala kung sino tayo bilang mga Pilipino at ng pinagdaanan ng ating mga bayani kung paano nakamtan ang kasarinlan na ating tinatamasa ngayon,” Sec. Lorenzana said.
He also shared that Filipinos may differ in personal preferences but are united in fulfilling their duties as sons and daughters of the country, adding that the country is facing new challenges such as terrorism, poverty and climate change that need everyone’s cooperation, which are not similar to the battle our forefathers fought.
Moreover, Madame Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña, the common-law wife of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte together with Secretary Lorenzana and Secretary Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, special assistant to the President, witnessed another history as Bishop Honesto Flores Ongtioco led the inauguration of the newly-renovated PGB building.
Alvarado said that like the flag, government buildings also serve as symbols of history, preserving the past, the present and the future, being the home of public service.
“Ang muling pagpapasinaya ng gusali ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ay hudyat ng nagkakaisang pagkilos patungo sa mga bagong hangganang maghahatid sa Bulacan bilang isang makabagong metropolis na may masiglang ekonomiya. Hangad po natin na ‘di lamang mapantayan ang karingalan ng gusaling ito bagkus ay ang mahusay at dalisay na paglilingkod na kapwa natin inihahandog,” Alvarado said.
He added that the Capitol building aside from having high technology equipment, modern engineering and architectural build and design also implements the Fire Protection Code and Accessibility Law for Persons with Disabilities to better cater the needs of the public.
Also present in the event were former Gov. Roberto Pagdanganan and Dolores Santiago, wife of the late former Gov. Ignacio Santiago. The two were the last governors who initiated a renovation of the said building.
The re-opening of the Capitol building will also feature the return of the artistic mural that was previously displayed at Gat. Blas F. Ople building.
The said establishment was built in 1904 during the administration of Gov. Pablo Tecson and was rebuilt after being burnt during the World War II in 1950 during the term of Gov. Fortunato Halili.