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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Fernando calls for unity in pursuit of national freedom

Fernando calls for unity in pursuit of national freedom

Published Jun 12, 2025 06:11 pm

At A Glance

  • Governor Fernando emphasized that the occasion is not just a tribute to the country's history but a reminder of the courage, unity, and patriotism of the ancestors who sacrificed their lives for the nation's freedom.
Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando called on Filipinos to take bold steps toward achieving national freedom and progress. 
Fernando made the call during the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence Day celebration, held at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan, on Thursday, June 12. The celebration carried the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.”
Fernando emphasized that the occasion is not just a tribute to the country's history but a reminder of the courage, unity, and patriotism of the ancestors who sacrificed their lives for the nation's freedom.
The flag-raising ceremony during the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day was held at the historic ground of Barasoain Church in the City of Malolos, Bulacan, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Freddie Velez)
The flag-raising ceremony during the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day was held at the historic ground of Barasoain Church in the City of Malolos, Bulacan, on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Freddie Velez)
"We are united in the desire to promote the spirit of freedom by being prudent, hardworking, and nationalistic citizens. May this day serve as an inspiration for us to continue to unite for a more progressive and peaceful nation," the Bulacan governor added. 
Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero began his speech with the opening line of Jose Rizal's poem: "Adios, Patria adorada, region del sol querida, Perla del Mar de Oriente, nuestro perdido Eden! (Farewell, beloved homeland, region of cherished sun, Pearl of the Orient Seas, our lost Eden!)." 
Escudero reflected on the relevance of Rizal's words, stating that despite the passage of more than a hundred years, the same challenges persist in the country today. 
Photos showed Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, guest of honor; Governor Daniel Fernando who introduces Escudero, and Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad in his welcome remarks during the commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence held at the historical Barasoain Church in the City of Malolos, Bulacan on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Freddie Velez)
Photos showed Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, guest of honor; Governor Daniel Fernando who introduces Escudero, and Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad in his welcome remarks during the commemoration of the 127th Anniversary of Philippine Independence held at the historical Barasoain Church in the City of Malolos, Bulacan on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (Freddie Velez)
"Mayaman ang Pilipinas, masipag at mababait ang mga tao subalit bakit hanggang ngayon laganap pa rin ang kahirapan sa ating bansa. Ano ang problema? Ano ang solusyon at ano ang dahilan at ano ang mga pamamaraan," (The Philippines is rich, its people are hardworking and kind, yet poverty remains widespread. What is the problem? What is the solution and what are are the causes, and what are the ways to address them?," he asked. 
He stressed that overcoming hardships and trials and transforming the nation into a paradise -- rather than an abandoned paradise -- requires the unity of all Filipino, regardless of age, status, education, appearance, or gender.  
In Philippine history, the Barasoain Church and the City of Malolos became the birthplace of the First Republic, not only in the Philippines but in Asia.
The Malolos Congress convened here, leading to the inauguration of Malolos Constitution and the country's first president, General Emilio Aguinaldo.
Among the officials present during the event were Vice Gov. Alex Castro, Malolos City Mayor Christian Natividad, Bulacan First District Representative Danilo Domingo, Commissioner Cecilia Tangian of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), Msgr. Domingo Salonga, Bulacan 6th District Salvador Pleyto Sr., Region 3 police director Brig.Gen Jean Fajardo's representative, Provincial Capitol employees, and several local officials. 
The celebration featured the simultaneous raising of the Philippine flag at 7:00 a.m., followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Aguinaldo's statue.
The event was made possible through the cooperation of the NHCP and the Provincial History, Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office.
Independence Day, observed annually on June 12, commemorates the Philippine declaration of independence from Spain in 1898. 

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