MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) formally unveiled the historical marker “Kapitolyo ng Bulacan” at the Bulacan Provincial Capitol in Malolos City on January 23, 2026.
The ceremony was led by NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, who presented the marker. It was formally accepted by Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando, with Vice Governor Alex Castro and NHCP Deputy Executive Director for Administration Rosario V. Sapitan serving as witnesses.
The unveiling coincided with the celebration of First Philippine Republic Day, marking the 127th anniversary of the inauguration of the first constitutional and democratic republic in Asia, which was established in Malolos in 1899.
According to the NHCP, the marker highlights the long and evolving history of the Bulacan Provincial Capitol. The first capitol building was constructed from Oregon pine, guijo, and yakal between 1901 and 1904, following the transfer of the provincial capital from Bulakan to Malolos.
The land for a larger capitol was later donated by Don Antonio S. Bautista, allowing the construction of a new structure from 1906 to 1908. The present concrete, granite, and marble building—designed in the Art Deco style by National Artist for Architecture Juan M. Arellano—was completed in 1930.
During the Second World War, the building was used as a headquarters by Japanese forces and was later burned and damaged. It was restored in 1950 under the leadership of the Provincial Government of Bulacan and was again renovated and expanded in 1991 to meet the province’s growing administrative needs.
The NHCP reiterated that the installation of historical markers forms part of its mandate to promote Philippine history and preserve the country’s cultural heritage through conservation, research, and public education
