The Pasig City local government unveiled on Tuesday, Aug. 29, a new heritage marker commemorating the "Asamblea Magna," or the famous assembly of the Katipunan revolutionaries in the city during the Spanish colonial period.
The ceremony was held on "Nagsabado ng Pasig," which is celebrated annually by the city every Aug. 29.
It was attended by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Vice Mayor Robert "Dodot" Jaworski Jr., Representative Roman Romulo, members of the City Council, and Barangay San Nicolas officials.
They were also joined by National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Emmanuel F. Calairo and other representatives, along with Albert Contreras, one of the relatives of Heneral Valentin Cruz.
The marker was placed beside Hen. Cruz's monument, located in Barangay San Nicolas.
Cruz, a born and raised Pasigueño, was a prominent member of the Katipunan (or "Kataastaasang, Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan" [KKK]) who led the "Nagsabado" in 1896, wherein 2,000 Pasigueños successfully fought the Spanish army and reclaimed the city's tribunal and the barracks of the Guardia Civil.
The Asamblea Magna, held on May 12, 1896, was a precursor to the Nagsabado battle. It was the significant gathering of key revolutionary figures such as Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Dr. Pio Valenzuela, and Heneral Cruz at the "Bitukang Manok" at Pasig River to discuss, plan, and decide to start the Philippine revolution.
Aside from unveiling the marker itself, a brief signing ceremony was conducted to formally transfer the ownership and care of the marker from the NHCP to the Pasig government.
NHCP Chairman Calairo said that the program was made for the youth to rediscover their history and heritage.
In keeping with the present digital age, he also urged other local governments, agencies, and organizations to make "content" about historical events, people, and places to reach the youth and inspire citizens.
Mayor Sotto echoed the significance of Calairo's sentiments, saying it is timely for Pasigueños to relearn their heritage during the city's 450th founding anniversary.
He noted the local government's ongoing history and cultural mapping project, "Talking Walls" program, heritage walking tours, and other cultural tourism initiatives.
Contreras also expressed his gratitude to the national and local governments for continuing to recognize and honor his great grandfather and his achievements.