The San Juan City government commemorated the bravery and courage of Filipinos who fought for the country's independence during the 129th Araw ng Pinaglabanan on Saturday, Aug. 30, calling upon Filipinos to be united in building a stronger and more resilient nation.

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, along with officials of the city government and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), led the celebration at Pinaglabanan Shrine, which stands as a symbol of courage and sacrifice, honoring the heroes who risked their lives for the nation’s freedom.

"The Battle of Pinaglabanan, fought on Aug. 30, 1896, marked the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule. Led by Andrés Bonifacio and the Katipunan, hundreds of Filipino revolutionaries attacked the Spanish forces at El Polvorín (the gunpowder depot) and El Deposito (the water reservoir) in San Juan del Monte. Though the revolutionaries did not succeed militarily, the battle ignited a nationwide uprising that ultimately led to Philippine independence," Zamora said.

“Araw ng Pinaglabanan is the soul of San Juan’s identity—this is where courage sparked a movement that changed our nation’s course. Each year we return to the Shrine to honor our forebears and reaffirm our duty to serve with the same bravery and integrity," he added.

The officials commemorated the event with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the lighting of the eternal flame, and a wreath-laying and volley fire led by the Philippine National Police–San Juan (PNP-San Juan). A short program was also held, highlighting the city’s remembrance of the historic battle.

Following the ceremony, the city government conducted a civic parade showcasing its civilian transportation assets along Pinaglabanan Street.

According to the local government unit (LGU), vehicles acquired since 2019 when Zamora assumed office, were showcased alongside the 83 brand-new vehicles acquired this year under the 2025 re-fleeting program.

The new fleet includes security and disaster response vehicles, significantly boosting the city’s operational capacity, emergency preparedness, and the delivery of services by both the local government and the barangays:

- 42 vehicles for San Juan’s 21 barangays (one Toyota Hilux FX van and one Mitsubishi Triton pick-up per barangay) to be used to support barangay operations such as emergency response, peacekeeping patrols, community service logistics, and disaster preparedness activities

- 41 vehicles for city departments and special operations including Toyota Hilux 4x4 police patrol vehicles and a modified SWAT unit to enhance law enforcement visibility, mobility, and rapid response capacity across the city; a rescue and monitoring vehicle for the CDRRMO, enabling faster deployment during disasters and more efficient monitoring of high-risk areas; a 29-seater mini bus, Toyota Innovas, Hiace vans, LiteAce vans, pick-up trucks, and motorcycles to support general government services, logistical needs, and mobility of city and police personnel.

In May, the mayor said the city government is also processing the procurement of an aerial ladder fire truck which will be vital during fire emergencies in high-rise buildings.

It is also set to acquire a 32-seater electric vehicle and four 11-seater electric vehicles to support the city’s mobility and sustainability goals.

“Today’s civic parade showcases the city’s expanding fleet—83 new vehicles added this year alone—strengthening public safety, disaster response, and everyday services. These investments are part of the Makabagong San Juan Legacy, ensuring that progress our people can feel—sa kalsada, sa barangay, at sa bawat tahanan—continues to move our city forward," Zamora explained, as he highlighted both the city’s reverence for its revolutionary past and its commitment to building a stronger and more modern San Juan for future generations.