Governor Daniel Fernando urged the Bulakenyos to promote a free, just and caring society during the commemoration of the 174th Birth Anniversary of Gat Marcelo H. Del Pilar held at the great propagandist’s shrine in Barangay San Nicolas, Bulakan, Bulacan on Friday, August 30.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando delivers his message during the commemoration of the 174th Birth Anniversary of Gat Marcelo H. Del Pilar held at the great propagandist’s shrine in Brgy. San Nicolas, Bulakan, Bulacan on Friday, August 30, 2024. (Freddie Velez)
“No matter how much sacrifice is required and no matter how heavy our trials are, may we always choose to stand up for what is right. Let's choose God's order. Let's choose honest service to our neighbor,” he said.
“Hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay pinagbibigkis pa rin tayo ng kaniyang mga likha at aral. Naririto tayong lahat hindi lamang upang gunitain ang kaniyang kabayanihan at kagitingan. Narito tayo hindi lamang upang gunitain ang aral ng ating kasaysayan. Tayo ay umiiral sa makabagong mundo kung saan marapat lamang na wala nang puwang ang pagmamalabis, karahasan, pandaraya,” (Until now were still bound by his creations and teachings. We are all here not only to commemorate his heroism and bravery. We are here not only to recall the lesson of our history. We exist in a modern world where there should be no room for abuse, violence and fraud)," he added.
Meanwhile, former chairman of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Greco Belgica, delivered the message of Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go, saying that love for one’s country should be above words and more on actions.
“Ang buhay ni Gat Marcelo H. del Pilar ay isang malinaw na paalala na ang pagmamahal sa bayan ay dapat na lagpas sa salita; ito ay nasusukat sa ating mga gawa at handang isakripisyo para sa ikabubuti ng nakararami,” (The life of Gat. Marcelo H. del Pilar is a clear reminder that love for the country must be beyond words; it is measured by our deeds and willingness to sacrifice for the good of the majority)," Belgica read.
He also said that it was not easy to promote change and freedom during the time of Gat Marcelo H. del Pilar, but because of his concern and courage, many were encouraged to fight oppression.
“Currently, we continue to fight for the rights of Filipinos, especially the poor, and Senator Bong Go's promotion of laws and programs aimed at providing better public services for all Filipinos is part of that,” Belgica continued.
Belgica, together with Fernando, Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, Bulakan Mayor Vergel C. Meneses, family and relatives of Marcelo, and some officers and members of media organizations, led the Bulakenyos in honoring Marcelo H. del Pilar during the wreath-laying activity before the hero’s monument.
The commemoration was made possible through the joint efforts of the Provincial Government of Bulacan, the Municipal Government of Bulakan, and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
August 30 is a holiday in Bulacan and coincides with the celebration of National Press Freedom Day.