THE House of Representatives, voting 256-1, approved on third and final reading House Bill 477 seeking to declare Jan. 23 of every year a special working holiday in the entire country to commemorate the declaration of the First Philippine Republic.
The committee on revision of laws, chaired by Pangasinan Rep. Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas, endorsed for plenary approval House Bill 477 authored by Bulacan Rep. Jose Antonio R. Sy-Alvarado, who said the holiday will commemorate the declaration of the First Philippine Republic on Jan. 23, 1899 at the Barasoain Church in the City of Malolos in Bulacan.
The bill is a refiled proposal that was approved on third and final reading during the 16th Congress.
The bill declares Jan. 23 of every year as “The First Philippine Republic Day” and shall be a special working holiday in the entire country.
“The significance of Jan. 23, 1899 is that the First Philippine Republic came into being as the sovereign choice of the people. It was a conscious choice to reject a dictatorial and revolutionary government and establish for all the future Filipino generations the groundwork for democracy,” said Sy-Alvarado.
As the First Republic in Asia, he said, Filipinos are proud of their strong democratic and republican ideals as a nation. He said it was on June 12, 1898 when General Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippines free from the yoke of foreign subjugation.
“The upheaval of nationalistic fervor leading to our independence was followed with cool and calm, which was thought to make the gains for Philippine democracy and republicanism more lasting and permanent through the enactment of the first organic law for the Philippine Republic,” said Sy-Alvarado.
Hence, he said, it is of much importance that Filipinos need to commemorate Jan. 23 every year. “The beginning of Filipino democracy and self-government, indigenously concluded, magnifies the political maturity and readiness of our forefathers at the turn of that century,” said Sy-Alvarado.
The lawmaker said the beliefs and aspirations of Filipinos as a nation, united in pursuit for life, liberty and enjoyment of the benefits of their democracy, is encapsulated by the nation’s rich and noble history.
“I hope that we can give due recognition with this great feat and achievement of our forefathers in commemorating Jan. 23 as a national holiday,” he said.
The National Historical Commission, in coordination with the Department of Education, shall plan and implement activities for “The First Philippine Republic Day” and ensure that the significance of the historical event will continue to inspire and instill pride among Filipinos on the rich and noble history of the nation.