Bulakenyos commemorated on Tuesday the 122nd anniversary of the opening of the Malolos Congress in a simple yet meaningful way.

Amid the strong rains and the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the celebration was held on the grounds of historic Barasoain Church here.

Anchored on the theme “Kongreso ng Malolos: Patnubay sa Pagtataguyod ng Bansang Nagkakaisa at Ligtas”, the activity started with a flag raising ceremony, followed by the oath to the Philippine flag and wreath-laying at the monument of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first Philippine president at the compound of Barasoian Church.

Governor Daniel Fernando, together with Malolos City Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Noel Pineda, and Rene Escalante, chairman of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), led the celebration.

It was the first public appearance of Fernando after he was confirmed positive of Covid-19.

“Kailangan natin ng dagdag na panalangin dahil sinusubukan tayo ng Diyos. Tigilan na natin ang mag-siraan at kalimutan na natin ang pulitika. Tayong lahat ay dapat magkaisa at magmahalan para sa ating giyera na kinahaharap sa kasalukuyan laban sa Covid-19 (We need more prayers because God is testing us. Let us stop besmirching others and forget about politics. We should all unite and love each other for our current fight against Covid-19),” the governor said in his speech.

He also said “this is the freedom that (was) given to us and Covid-19 did not end our freedom.”

In an interview, the governor said commemorating the opening of the Malolos Congress is the most important day not only for Bulacan but also for the whole country because it was where the first legislative body was born.

“It is also the time our ancestor fight for the freedom we are enjoying today. Although, tinamaan tayo ng matinding pandemic, damahin pa rin natin ang kalayaan na ipinaglaban ng ating mga ninuno (we have been hit by a severe pandemic, let us still feel the freedom that our ancestors fought for),” Fernando said.

He also cited the need to win in the war against the pandemic to be able to return to normal life.

“This is the war of freedom. Freedom to improve our health and freedom to revitalize our pandemic-ravaged economy,” he added.

Fernando thanked other local officials, the Covid-19 front-liners, and members of the press for their support in the fight against the dreaded disease.

The Malolos Congress ratified the first Philippine Constitution that eventually led to the proclamation of Philippine independence from the Spanish colonial rule on June 12, 1899, inside the historic Barasoain Church. (PNA)