CITY OF MALOLOS- -Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando warmly welcomes President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and all national and local delegates in the commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of the First Philippine Republic, otherwise known as the Malolos Republic, at the historic grounds of Barasoain Church in this city earlier today (January 23).

Fernando said, “Ang Kongreso ng Malolos ang nagtakda ng Unang Republika ng Pilipinas, ang kauna-unahang malayang republika sa buong Asya; dito binalangkas ang unang Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas; at dito unang itinatag ang mga pamantayan para sa isang matapat na pamahalaan at mataas na uri ng pulitika.”

On the other hand, the President said that the history made in Barasoain Church continues to inspire the Filipinos to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of the nation’s march to progress.

“To a world skeptical of a former colony’s capacity for self-rule, the Malolos Republic erased all doubts. To the Filipinos who liberated their own selves by blood but were doubtful that the promises of the revolution could be redeemed, the Malolos Republic raised their hopes once again for a brighter tomorrow,” President Marcos said.

The Chief Executive added that as stewards of that legacy, making the economy sound, the democracy stable, the future secure, and the nation strong is what is expected of the Filipinos.

“As beneficiaries of their heroism, we pledge to continue to pay those dues. For that is the only way that we can honor those who founded this Republic, those who fought for its ideals, and those who fell in the war,” Marcos added.

Also present in the occasion were Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairman Emmanuel Franco Calairo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, and other legislators, executive branch officials, and local government officials.

Exactly 125 years ago, General Emilio Aguinaldo was elected as the first President of the Republic, and his term was set at four years.

The First Republic of the Philippines was complete with the characteristics of a state with three branches of government, a constitution, and a territory governed by a government with an armed force.

Photo: Mon Lazaro