Bulakenyos commemorate Plaridel’s heroic legacy

CITY OF MALOLOS – The heroic legacy of the country’s great propagandist, Gat. Marcelo H. Del Pilar, was once again rekindled in the hearts and minds of thousands of Bulakenyos as they unite to commemorate the 166th birth anniversary of the Bulakenyo hero at the Dambanang Marcelo H. del Pilar, Brgy. San Nicolas, Bulakan, Bulacan early this morning.

Newly appointed Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato Dela Peña, who served as the guest speaker of the commemorative program, encouraged everyone to set aside personal interest and be a good example to the younger generation for them to grow as a responsible citizen of the country who values the sacrifices and heroic deeds of the Philippine’s greatest heroes who fought for national sovereignty.

“Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay nagsisilbing pagpupugay natin kay Del Pilar at ating pagtanaw ng utang na loob at pasasalamat sa kanyang mga nagawa. Patuloy sana nating isabuhay ang kanyang mga sakripisyo at sama-sama nating gunitain ang kabayanihan ng Bulakenyong propagandista na may malaking naiambag sa kasaysayan ng bansa,” the secretary said.

Dela Peña also said that national problems like poverty and lack of education are possible to be solved if the people are united and ready to help each other in achieving a common goal.

Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, who led the wreath-laying ceremony, also said that Bulakenyos should be proud that they have a native son and a native hero like Del Pilar who played an important role in the quest for national freedom and independence.

“Ang kabayanihan ng isang dakilang Bulakenyo ay sumasalamin sa kahusayan ng ating lalawigan. Marapat lamang na siya ay ipagmalaki at isabuhay ang kanyang mga nagawa na mayroong malaking naiambag sa pagkamit ng pambansang kalayaan,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, National Press Club President Paul Gutierrez who also participated in the commemorative event, expressed the club’s clarion call to the national government for the declaration of August 30 of every year as National Press Freedom Day in honor of the birth anniversary of the national hero.

The press club president also encouraged the press community to exhibit professionalism and responsible journalism in upholding freedom of information and expression, which are vital elements of democracy.

Moreover, Corina-Santos Unson, the great granddaughter of Del Pilar, expressed her gratitude to the Provincial Government of Bulacan and Municipality of Bulakan for the annual commemoration of her great grandfather’s birth anniversary.

Del Pilar, also known as Plaridel, founded the first bilingual newspaper in the Philippines known as Diariong Tagalog in 1882 and also advocated reforms during the Spanish Era by publishing newspapers that sought civil liberties for Filipinos including the La Solidaridad.