Where the First Philippine Republic Was Born
By Emil G. Gamos
With Philippine flags now flying all around its vicinity, the historic Barasoain Church here,the site where the Malolos Congress was convened, the Malolos Constitution was ratified and where the First Philippine Republic was born, will take center stage Tuesday as the country celebrates the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said the patio of Barasoain church is now being spruced up for Tuesday’s freedom day rites where no less than President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the flag raising and pay tribute to the patriots and Filipino revolutionaries that shed blood, sweat and tears in their quest for independence and sovereignty.
Alvarado said the Bulacan Police Provincial Office (BPPO) has deployed 400 police personnel for the event.
He also said traffic will be re-routed and car parks have been designated to accommodate guests and residents who will join the celebration.
The governor said Bulakenyos felt a great sense of pride because this will be the first time that the President of the Republic will lead the Independence day rites at Barasoain church, one of the three areas in the country where the simultaneous flag raising are being held every June 12.
“The celebration of the Independence Day for the Bulakenyos become ever more eminent because our Chief Executive himself will lead the celebration in this historic Barasoain church,” Alvarado said.
He said Philippine flags are being displayed along major thoroughfares in the province’s 21 towns and 3 cities, signifying that Bulacan is home of the country’s noble.
Provincial Administrator Jim Valerio said first aid stations and other public service booths are also being installed around the churchyard.
Meanwhile, the provincial government will launch the 24K Tourism Icons of Bulacan on Tuesday, coinciding the celebration of the 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, at 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here.
The governor said the program aims to boost the tourism industry and to showcase the tourism icons of the three cities and 21 towns in the province.
With its theme “Piliin Mo ang Bulacan,” Alvarado encourages foreign and local tourists to see for themselves and experience the following 24K tourism icons: Modernized Arts of Angat, Birthplace of Balagtas, Lenten Procession of Baliwag, Fireworks of Bocaue, Del Pilar’s Heritage of Bulacan, Dam Dipping in Bustos, Cruising in Calumpit, Nature Tripping in Dona Remedios Trinidad, Garden Haven of Guiguinto, Fishing Industry in Hagonoy, Revisiting the Past of Malolos, National Shrine of Marilao, Finest Jewelry of Meycauayan, Dam Viewing in Norzagaray, Fertility Dancing in Obando, Revisiting Kakarong in Pandi, Vinegar Fermentation of Paombong, Designs and Architecture in Plaridel, Kneeling Carabao in Pulilan, Wonders of Nature in San Ildefonso, Trekking in San Miguel, Festive Pageantry in San Rafael, Independent Pilgrim in San Jose Del Monte and Fiesta Foods of Santa Maria.
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