IMUS CITY, Cavite – The local government unit inaugurated the new Imus City Government Center in Barangay Malagasang 1-G on Monday, April 25.
The ceremony was led by Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi, Vice Mayor Arnel Cantimbuhan, Commissioner Ryan Alvin Acosta of the Civil Service Commission, and other city officials.
During his speech streamed live through Facebook, Maliksi highlighted the historical significance and symbolism behind the structure shaped like a waving flag.
"Malapit lang po sa site na ito ang isa sa mga pinakamalaking pangyayari sa ating lungsod, ito po 'yung Battle of Alapan, na naging basehan kung bakit ang lungsod ng Imus ay kinikilala ngayon bilang Flag Capital of the Philippines (Near this site happened one of the biggest events in our city, the Battle of Alapan, which is the reason why the City of Imus is known today as the Flag Capital of the Philippines)," the chief executive said.
The Battle of Alapan, which happened on May 28, 1898, was the first military triumph of the Filipino revolutionaries. Following the victory, the Philippine flag was unfurled for the first time. The date is now commemorated as National Flag Day.
The new government hub is a green building that uses solar power and is equipped with a rainwater harvester. It houses 72 offices and is seven times bigger than the old city hall.