MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan—The mayor of this historic city wants every Filipino to be aware of the founding day of the First Philippine Republic, calling for Jan. 23 every year to be declared a national non-working holiday.
Mayor Christian D. Natividad emphasized this “urgent need for historical awareness” during the 118th commemoration of the First Philippine Republic at the Barasoain Church here Monday.
“It is lamentable that this year alone, we have more than 18 declared national holidays that recognize heroism,” Natividad said, citing National Heroes Day (Aug. 28), Araw ng Kagitingan (April 9), Bonifacio Day (Nov. 30), Rizal Day (Dec. 30), Independence Day (June 12), the EDSA People Power Revolution (Feb. 25), and Ninoy Aquino Day (Aug. 21).
The mayor, however, lamented that the founding date of the Philippine Republic—the first constitutional republic in Asia—“has been completely ignored.”
“It was at the Barasoain Church, where our first Constitution was drafted, approved and proclaimed on Jan. 22, which led to the establishment of our Republic the following day—Jan. 23, 1899, exactly 118 years ago today,” Natividad recalled.
Philippine Republic Day is a non-working holiday only in the province of Bulacan and in this city, the mayor said.
“We even celebrate and pay homage to religious events like Christmas Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, All Saints’ Day, and even Oct. 31, declared this year as a special non-working day to give time to Filipinos to visit the graves of their loved ones,” the mayor pointed out.
“Every Filipino should be made aware of the significance of the birth of our Constitution and the Republic. Jan. 23 should be observed yearly all over the country by all Filipinos and not just by Bulakenyos,” Natividad stressed.
Local Government Secretary Ismael D. Sueno, who represented President Rodrigo Duterte in the rites, lauded the brave efforts of our forefathers who fought against colonizers to free the nation from colonial rule.
The program started with a flag raising ceremony and a wreath laying activity at the monument of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first Philippine president.
Also present were Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando, board members, congressmen, National Historical Commission OIC Dr. Rene Escalante and NHCP Executive Director III Ludovico D. Badoy.
