Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando has called on Bulakenyos to foster genuine unity, stressing that preserving the dignity of the province amid ongoing anomalies requires cooperation not only from public officials but also from the people themselves.
“Ako ay paulit-ulit na nananawagan ng magbuklod po tayo. Maging tinig ng katotohanan, ipaglaban ang tama, panatilihin ang dignidad bilang mga Bulakenyo at Pilipino (I have repeatedly called for us to unite. Be the voice of truth, fight for what is right, and uphold dignity as Bulakenyos and Filipinos),” Fernando said during the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the First Philippine Republic on Friday, Jan. 23, at the historic Barasoain Church in Malolos.
Fernando noted that the celebration’s timing -- coinciding with the Feast of Sto. Niño and the start of the new year -- serves as a reminder that in every chapter of history, whether marked by trials or change, people are always given the chance to begin anew.
He also expressed gratitude to Bulakenyos and local officials across municipalities and cities for their dedication and cooperation, particularly in extending assistance to those in need.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and guest of honor at the event, highlighted the historical parallels between his city and Malolos.
He emphasized the pivotal role of the Battle of Pinaglabanan in the Philippine Revolution.
“Nakakatuwang isipin na ang Malolos at San Juan ay may malinaw na pagkakatulad. Kapuwa naging saksi ang ating mga lungsod sa mahahalagang yugto ng kasaysayan ng ating bayan, (It is inspiring to reflect that Malolos and San Juan share clear similarities. Both cities have witnessed important stages in our nation’s history),” Zamora said.
He added that San Juan and Bulacan can work hand in hand to strengthen institutions and improve public service.
“As the City of San Juan, the City of Malolos, and the Province of Bulacan—we can work together to strengthen our institutions and further improve services to our citizens,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Malolos City Mayor Christian D. Natividad reminded Bulakenyos to safeguard the freedom inherited from their ancestors, which he described as the true legacy of the Filipino people.
“Sana sa kasalukuyan… huwag na nating pabayaang masayang pa at patunayan nating tayong mga Pilipino ay kaya nating ipagmalaki at tanghalin ang isang malayang bansa na para sa mga Pilipino (I hope that today, as we embrace our identity and the legacy of our ancestors, we do not allow our freedom to be wasted. Let us prove that Filipinos can be proud and uphold a free nation for Filipinos),” Natividad said.
The event also featured the ceremonial unveiling of the “Paghahawi ng Tabing ng Pambansang Panandang Pangkasaysayan ng Kapitolyo ng Bulacan,” led by Fernando and National Historical Commission of the Philippines Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo at the Provincial Government of Bulacan building.