Re-elected Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando reminded the province's youth to always remember Bulacan's and its heroes' contributions to Philippine independence and nationalization as the nation celebrates its 124th Independence Day on Sunday, June 12.
Fernando said it is sad to see that the heroism, patriotism, nationalism, and self-sacrifice of the Filipinos' ancestors in the struggle for independence are being forgotten by the youth, particularly those who have become too attached to social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.
Aside from being among the first eight provinces of the Philippines that revolted against the Spaniards, Bulacan's contributions to the attainment of independence in the country included the participation of Hagonoy warriors in securing the freedom of Bangkusay in May 1571, which is now in Tondo Manila; Francisco Balagtas teaching the language and soul of the country; and Fr. Mariano V. Sevilla bringing Flores De Mayo to Parokya of Nuestra Senyora de Asuncion in the town of Bulakan where it started in 1865.
Marcelo H. Del Pilar, the bravest Filipino Bulakenyo of his time, also revolted against the Spaniards.
Mariano Ponce of Baliuag started the diplomatic relationship between the Philippines and Japan. In 1899, he was appointed as the messenger of the Philippines by former President Emilio Aguinaldo to the country of Japan under the First Philippine Republic.
The young women of Malolos also contributed to the Freedom of Education. In June 1892, they were visited by Rizal in Malolos.
Deodato Arellano was a propagandist and the very first president of the Katipunan. He was very meticulous in accepting new members of the Kapitunan due to the growing number of spies at that time.
Isidro Torres won the fight against the Spaniards in the towns of Bustos, San Miguel, and Calumpit in 1896. Torres was compared to a hawk and was known as "Matang Lawin" when he subdued the Spaniards in Macabebe, Pampanga in 1898.
Trinidad Perez Tecson of San Miguel fought for the freedom of women and played a big role in taking care of the Katipuneros during the war. She led other women in taking care of the sick, and later on, established the Red Cross.
The fight for freedom in Cacarong De Sili in Pandi was led by the local organization of the Katipunan governed by Maestrong Sebio the Brigadier General of the Philippine Army.
These freedoms gained by these courageous men and women of Bulacan led to the crafting of fundamental laws at Biak-Na-Bato where the Constitution was ratified and finally separates the Philippines from the Monarchy of Spain.
One of the first acts of the Malolos Congress on September 29, 1898 was to ratify the declaration of Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.
The First Philippine Republic was formally inaugurated on January 21, 1899.
Other contributors to Philippine Independence were Simon Tecson, General Gregorio Del Pilar, and Jocelynang Baliwag, also known as the "kundiman ng himagsikan."