Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo served as the guest of honor and speaker during the celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence held at the grounds of the historic Barasoain Church in the City of Malolos, Bulacan.
“As Filipinos, we have the responsibility to protect and enrich the freedom we inherit. All of us are called to endeavor to carry out the dreams of those who supported our desire to be free.” he reminded the Bulakenyos.
Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo (4th from left), together with Governor Daniel R. Fernando (5th from left) and Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro (6th from left), leads the commemoration of the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence held at the Barasoain Church in the City of Malolos, Bulacan on Monday, June 12, 2023. Also in photo (from left) are Malolos City Vice Mayor Alberto T. Bautista, Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Representative Rosario V. Sapitan, Diocese of Malolos Bishop Dennis C. Villarojo, and Rev. Domingo M. Salonga. (Photo courtesy of Marcel Bayan/ MANILA BULLETIN)
The chief justice also said that everyone has a subsequent duty that must be borne along with the rights and freedom they enjoy.
"Sa parte ng hudikatura pinagsisikapan namin na tuparin ang aming tungkulin partikular sa pagsulong ng reporma sa hudikatura sa ilalim ng Strategic Plans for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022 to 2027." (On the part of the judisciary we're working to fulfill our duty particularly in pushing for the judiciary reform under the Strategic Plans for Judicial Innovations (SPJI) 2022 to 2027)," chief justice said.
Chief Justice Gesmundo explained that SPJI sewed different ideal plans and schemes toward one goal -- to address institutional challenges using four guiding principles as the Judiciary's delivery of justice, timely and fair; transparent and accountable; equal and inclusive, and technology adaptive.
"Layunin ng SPJI na magtaguyod ng hudikatura na mas makabago at mas malapit sa kapwa (SPJI aims to establish a judiciary that his modern and closer to fellow Filipinos)," he added.
Meanwhile, Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando urged not only the Bulakenyos but all Filipinos to renew their hope for the future with faith and trust in God.
Fernando believed that it is the people’s duty to use the gift of freedom to help other people and enable them to take control of a new revolution in their lives, their livelihood, and their future.
Also present during the commemoration were Vice Gov. Alex C. Castro, Bulacan First and 6th Districts Representatives Danny Domingo and Ador Pleyto, respectively; Provincial Board Members, Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad, Bishop Dennis Villarojo, Bulacan provincial government employees; Department of Public Works and Highways headed by District Engineer Henry Alcantara, Bulacan Police; Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Bulacan, DepEd Bulacan and other local officials in Bulacan.
The 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence is anchored on the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan”.