IMUS CITY, Cavite — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the City Government of Imus officially launched the observance of National Flag Days and the Kalayaan 2026 celebrations on May 28 through the commemoration of the 128th anniversary of the historic Victory at Alapan.
Held at the Dambana ng Pambansang Watawat Heritage Park in Barangay Alapan, the ceremony gathered national and local government officials, employees, and members of the public to honor one of the most significant events in Philippine history—the Battle of Alapan, considered the first major victory of Filipino revolutionary forces against Spanish troops following General Emilio Aguinaldo’s return from exile in Hong Kong in May 1898.
Leading the commemoration was Cavite Governor Francisco Gabriel Remulla, who served as Guest of Honor. He was joined by Senator JV Ejercito, Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla, NHCP Chair Regalado Trota Jose Jr., Imus City Mayor Alex L. Advincula, Cavite 3rd District Representative Adrian Jay Advincula, and Imus City Vice Mayor Homer Saquilayan, along with representatives from various government agencies.
The event highlighted the significance of the Battle of Alapan, where Filipino revolutionary forces under the command of Emilio Aguinaldo defeated a large Spanish force in Imus, Cavite on May 28, 1898. The victory marked a crucial turning point in the Philippine Revolution and paved the way for the country’s declaration of independence less than a month later.
Historical accounts presented during the ceremony recalled how Aguinaldo celebrated the victory by publicly unfurling the Philippine flag for the first time before the Filipino people at Teatro Caviteño in Cavite City. The flag, sewn in Hong Kong by Marcela Mariño de Agoncillo, featured the now-familiar design of blue and red fields, a white triangle, an eight-rayed sun, and three stars—elements that continue to symbolize the nation’s sovereignty and struggle for freedom.
The commemoration also marked the beginning of National Flag Days, observed annually from May 28 to June 12. During this period, Filipinos are encouraged to display the national flag in homes, schools, government offices, and business establishments as a demonstration of patriotism and remembrance of the country’s hard-fought independence.
As the nation moves toward the celebration of the 128th anniversary of Philippine Independence, the Battle of Alapan commemoration serves as a reminder of the courage and sacrifices of Filipi
