MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan — The nation commemorates last January 23, the 127th anniversary of the proclamation of the First Philippine Republic with a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos City.
San Juan City Mayor and League of Cities of the Philippines President Francisco Javier “Francis” M. Zamora leads the rites at 8 a.m., joined by Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo, Bulacan Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad, Malolos City Vice Mayor Gilbert T. Gatchalian, Barasoain Church parish priest Rev. Msgr. Domingo M. Salonga, and Police Colonel Rommel S. Batangan, acting deputy regional director for administration of the Philippine National Police in Region III.
During the program, Mayor Zamora delivers a message highlighting the courage and sacrifices of Filipinos in asserting their right to independence and self-governance. Officials then lay wreaths at the monument of President Emilio Aguinaldo, the country’s first president.
After the ceremonies and cultural presentations, guests tour the NHCP Barasoain Church Historical Landmark, also known as the Museo ng Republika ng 1899.
The First Philippine Republic, inaugurated in Malolos 127 years ago, is regarded as Asia’s first democratic and constitutional republic. It serves as an inspiration to other Asian nations in their struggle for freedom and democracy, including China, which becomes a republic in 1911.
The Republic replaces the Revolutionary Government established by President Aguinaldo after the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.
Under Republic Act No. 11014, signed into law on April 5, 2018, this day is observed nationwide as a special working holiday known as “Araw ng Unang Republikang Pilipino.”
