By Genalyn Kabiling
Bacoor, Cavite has been formally declared as the "Marching Band Capital of the Philippines" based on a recent proclamation signed by President Duterte.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (ROBINSON NIÑAL JR. / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
In Proclamation No. 939, the President recognized the city of Bacoor as the "birthplace" of the oldest living marching bands in the Philippines and has stayed as the "home of community marching bands" and school-based drum and lyre corps, among others.
Marching bands have become integral to the country’s culture and heritage given its role in various traditions, fiestas and other occasions, according to the President.
"The City of Bacoor is committed to sustain and preserve the the tradition and operations of marching bands all over the country, in collaboration with government units, government instrumentalities and the private sector," the proclamation read.
"Now, therefore, I, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby declare the City of Bacoor, Cavite, as the 'Marching Band Capital of the Philippines,'" it added.
The proclamation, signed by the President last April 6, noted that the State recognizes the role of marching bands in various historic events in the country. It mentioned the public playing of the Philippine national anthem during the declaration of the country's independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite as well as the use of marching bands as diversionary tactics during the Philippine Revolution.
The same proclamation also invoked the constitutional provisions about the State's responsibility to preserve the country's culture.
Under the Constitution, the President said the State must foster "the preservation, enrichment and dynamic evolution of Filipino national culture based on the principle of unity and diversity a climate of free artistic and intellectual expression."
In recent years, Bacoor City held annual competition of marching bands as part of its founding anniversary celebration.