CITY OF MALOLOS—Interior Secretary Ismael D. Sueno on Monday took the opportunity to call for support in the shift to federalism state during Sunday’s commemoration of the 118th anniversary of the inauguration of the Malolos Republic in this city.
Sueno, who was the guest of honor and speaker, who urged those present to continue to acknowledge, thank, appreciate and enjoy the fruits of the toil of earlier Filipinos, “because the establishment of the First Republic of the Philippines is our foundation to reach our freedom and independence that we enjoy today.”
Sueno said the establishment of federalism will lead to the transfer of responsibility to the local governments and will result in prosperity and unity.
“Federalism will pave the way toward providing equal opportunity to grow and enrich every corner of the country,” he said.
He said prosperous First World states, like the US, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Australia, are federal countries.
“So we call upon citizens and local governments who constitute the great province of Bulacan to join the aspiration for development, federalism and innovation,” Sueno added.
The commemoration of the 118th anniversary of the Malolos Republic inauguration started with the flag-raising and wreath-laying rites, led by Sueno and joined by National Historical Commission Officer in Charge Rene Escalante, Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado, Vice Gov. Daniel Fernando, Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad, Vice Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian and other local officials.
After the flag-raising and wreath-laying rites, Fr. John Paul Avila, the parochial vicar of Barasoain Church, led the opening prayer.
In his welcome remarks, Natividad urged those present to preserve the country’s history as a nation, especially the declaration of the First Philippine Republic that he said “should be commemorated nationwide like the Chinese New Year, which is a nonworking holiday in the country.”
Alvarado, in his address, said the importance of the declaration of First Philippine Republic also reflects to the spirit of democracy, righteousness and equality, and quoted President Emilio Aguinaldo, who said, “I congratulate our beloved people, who, from this date, will cease to be anonymous and will be able with legitimate pride to proclaim to the universe the long-coveted name of Philippine Republic. We are no longer insurgents; we are no longer revolutionists; that is to say armed men desirous of destroying and annihilating the enemy. We are from now on Republicans; that is to say, men of law, able to fraternize with all other nations, with mutual respect and affection. There is nothing lacking, therefore, in order for us to be recognized and admitted as a free and independent nation.”
Image credits: Catherine Joy L. Maglalang