Inauguration of First PH Republic continues to serve as inspiration to Filipinos — Alvarado

CITY OF MALOLOS – After 117 years, the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic in the historic Barasoain Church continuously serve as the guiding light and inspiration to every Filipinos as they are reminded of their proud heritage as free citizens of the world.
Alvarado said that the First Philippine Republic proved that Filipinos were capable of self-rule and deserved their longed-for freedom after more than 300 years of being colonized by foreign conquerors.
“Ito ang araw ng ating kapanganakan bilang isang bansang nagsasarili. Isang araw na sabik na hinintay at masiglang pinalakpakan ng ating lahi. Ito ang araw na dapat ay nakakintal at nakaukit sa mga puso at diwa ng sambayanan dahil ito ang patuloy na gumagabay sa atin upang maglingkod ng tapat,” the governor said.
The provincial chief executive also said that everyone, especially the Bulakenyo youth, should always look back from the history of the country and the sacrifices of our forefathers that led to the country’s independence.
He added that the events that transpired at Barasoain Church on January 23, 1899 is equal to the proclamation of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898 because the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic gave credence and legality to the historic moments at the balcony of the mansion of then revolutionary leader Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, making him the president of the 1st Philippine Republic, to the eyes of the international community.
Meanwhile, former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Emmanuel “Joel” Villanueva who graced the commemorative event as the guest of honor, urged everyone to grab every opportunity that comes their way and be part of a remarkable history as a Filipino who can stand up and fight for their rights.
“Ang bawat isa po satin ngayon ay mayroong pagkakataon na gumawa ng kasaysayan. Huwag po natin sayangin ang mga oportunidad na dumadaan sa atin. Huwag po tayo magpalupig sa mga pagsubok dahil tayo pong lahat ay bahagi ng dakilang lalawigan na nakatatak na sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas,” Villanueva said.
Villanueva also said that its time to pursue a historic revolution as he echoed the call of Alvarado to make January 23 of every year a special Philippine holiday just like June 12 or Philippine Independence day.
Prior to this, Villanueva and Alvarado together with Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Executive Director Luvicido Badoy and other local officials led the flag raising ceremony and wreathe laying activity before Gen. Aguinaldo’s monument.
Also present during the event were local officials, employees, senior citizens, students, teachers, non-government organizations, and other sectors in Bulacan.
The First Philippine Republic, popularly known as the Malolos Republic, was the first republic in Asia. It was inaugurated on January 23, 1899 at the Barasoain Church where Aguinaldo took his oath of office as president of the country.