The San Juan City local government, led by Mayor Francis Zamora, marked the 160th birthday of Gat. Andres Bonifacio on Thursday, Nov. 30, as they honor Bonifacio's heroism and significance in the city's rich history particularly about the Battle of Pinaglabanan.

(Photo by Patrick Garcia)

The ceremonial wreath-laying at the monument of Bonifacio was attended by Zamora, officials of the city government, and delegates from the municipality of Magdiwang, Romblon led by Mayor Arthur Rey Tansiongco.

“San Juan City is the place where the Battle of Pinaglabanan happened in 1896. Andres Bonifacio led the Katipuneros in its first major battle. Though they were defeated, it was what sparked the Philippine Revolution that eventually led to Philippine Independence. Thus, it is only fitting that we give reverence to Andres Bonifacio for his valor and sacrifices in freeing the Philippines from the shackles of colonialism,” Zamora said.

"Sa pagdiriwang natin sa araw ni Gat. Andres Bonifacio, sa unang pagkakataon po nagkaroon tayo ng ganitong klaseng pag aalay ng bulaklak dito mismo sa loob ng Pinaglabanan Shrine kung saan nararapat po si Andres Bonifacio. Bakit ko po sinasabing dapat naririto? Sapagkat dati po si Gat. Andres Bonifacio ay nasa kalye. Nauusukan, naiinitan, hindi po nabibigyan ng tamang pagpupugay dahil unang una paano nyo malalapitan ang bantayog ni Gat. Andres Bonifacio kung sya po ay nasa gitna ng kalye? (In celebration of the day of Gat. Andres Bonifacio, this is the very first time we offered flowers for his monument inside Pinaglabanan Shrine where he should be. Why did I say where he should be? It's because before, his monument is just located along the road being exposed to pollution, the heat, and not being given proper honor. How can people give their honor to him and his heroism if he's right in the middle of the road?)," he added.

The mayor explained the transfer of the monuments of Bonifacio, Jose Rizal, and Emilio Jacinto inside the Pinaglabanan Shrine was done to give them proper respect and honor for their heroism and sacrifice for the Filipino people.

"Yung paglipat po natin ng bantayog hindi lamang ni Andres Bonifacio kundi pati nila Jose Rizal at Emilio Jacinto ay sapagkat para po saamin, mas mabibigyan sila ng pagpupugay at karangalan dito mismo sa loob ng pinaglabanan Shrine (Our decision to transfer not just the monument of Andres Bonifacio, but also Jose Rizal and Emilio Jacinto, is due to the fact that we believe people can celebrate their heroism and give them proper recognition and honor here inside Pinaglabanan Shrine)," Zamora stressed.

Prior to their transfer, the Dr. Jose Rizal monument was located at the Plaza ng Masa, the Gat Andres Bonifacio monument was at the corner of Pinaglabanan and Valenzuela Streets, and Gen. Emilio Jacinto monument was at the corner of Pinaglabanan and P. Narciso Streets.

The relocation was initiated by the San Juan City Council through Ordinance No. 52, Series of 2021, and Ordinance No. 55, Series of 2021. The ordinances were passed on Sept. 20, 2021 and Oct. 4, 2021.

The city government clarified that the relocation of monuments was "carefully studied" and approved by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), with the proposal signed by former Officer-in-charge of the Office of Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo on Sept. 21, 2021.

An agreement between the government and the NHCP on the maintenance of the monuments by restoration experts of the NHCP was also signed.

The local government said that around 3,000 people visit the Pinaglabanan Shrine per day since the easing of pandemic restrictions, making the shrine a strategic location for the monuments.

In addition, many groups have applied for study or tourist tours in the El Deposito Underground Reservoir, which is located at the Pinaglabanan Shrine.