The Malabon City Government has declared Filipino historian and writer Epifanio Delos Santos a local hero, following the passage of City Ordinance No. 12-2025.
Under the ordinance, Delos Santos is officially recognized for his contributions to Philippine literature, culture, and national identity. Born in Malabon in 1871, he was a lawyer, civil servant, and scholar who served as Governor of Nueva Ecija, a member of the Philippine Assembly, and director of the Philippine Library and Museum.
The ordinance mandates the installation of a legacy marker in his honor, as well as the creation of public artworks such as statues and busts.
The city government also designated April 7, Delos Santos’ birthday, as “Epifanio de los Santos Day,” a special non-working holiday in Malabon.
The third week of April will also be observed annually as “Malabon Historical Week.”
"Ating pinapahalagahan ang naging buhay, pananaw at kontribusyon ng ating mga bayani na masasabi nating nagbigay ng daan para sa mas malayang Pilipinas. Kaya naman po, ating kinikilala ang dakilang si Epifanio Delos Santos na isang Malabueno, bilang bayani para sa kanyang mga naiambag sa ating lipunan lalo na sa edukasyon ng mga kabataan, kalayaan, at pagpapaunlad ng ating bayan (We value the lives, perspectives, and contributions of our heroes who we can say paved the way for a freer Philippines. That is why we recognize the great Epifanio Delos Santos, a Malabueno, as a hero for his contributions to our society, especially in the education of the youth, freedom, and development of our nation)," Mayor Jeannie Sandoval said.
The City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (CTCAO) will lead the implementation of programs and projects to preserve and promote Delos Santos’ legacy, including cultural, historical, and educational activities.
In 2024, the city also launched the Natatanging Epifanio Delos Santos Gawad Parangal to recognize outstanding Malabueños who have shown excellence in their respective fields.