KAWIT, Cavite — The 62nd death anniversary of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines, was commemorated on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the NHCP Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit, Cavite through a solemn wreath-laying ceremony and a Holy Mass.
The simple commemorative rites were spearheaded by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) in partnership with the Municipality of Kawit, as part of its continuing efforts to honor the country’s revolutionary heroes and preserve national memory.
Kawit Vice Mayor Angelo Emilio G. Aguinaldo, representing Mayor Cynthia “Armie” G. Aguinaldo, served as the guest of honor. He was joined by NHCP Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, Cavite 1st District Representative Ramon “Jolo” Revilla III, and Cavite Board Member Aidel Paul Belamide, who represented Governor Francisco Gabriel “Abeng” Remulla.
Also in attendance were members of the Kawit Municipal Council and local government, as well as representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, Department of Education, Veterans Federation of the Philippines, and several Masonic organizations, including Gran Logia Del Lejano Oriente, Islas Filipinas; Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas Supremo; Emilio Aguinaldo Masonic Lodge No. 31; and President Emilio F. Aguinaldo Lodge No. 5 IGLPI. Descendants of Aguinaldo also took part in the ceremonies by offering wreaths.
A Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Romel C. Lagata of the Diocese of Imus, followed by messages highlighting the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Aguinaldo. The program emphasized his role in shaping the nation and his continued relevance to Philippine history.
Aguinaldo rose to prominence after a series of military victories against Spanish colonial forces and became the leader of the fledgling Filipino nation. Under his leadership, the Philippines declared independence in June 1898 and inaugurated the First Philippine Republic in January 1899. He served as President during the Philippine-American War until his capture by American forces in March 1901.
After the war, Aguinaldo devoted the rest of his long life to advocating for the welfare of Filipino veterans and keeping the memory of the Revolution alive. He died on February 6, 1964, at the age of 94.
