Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa reminded every Filipino of their duty to contribute to the continuous fight for democracy and peace for the welfare of the nation.

Dela Rosa, who served as special guest in the celebration of the 121st anniversary of the First Philippine Republic held at the historic Barasoain Church here, also noted the importance of inculcating into the minds of the youth the meaning and significance of the country’s historical events that led to freedom and independence.

“We owe it to our nation to reignite in the hearts of our fellowmen, especially the youth, a deeper awareness of our history and what it took for our forefathers to gain our freedom,” he told thousands of Bulakenyos here. “Against the noise and frenzy brought by social media, I hope that the message and significance of this historical milestone that we celebrate today are known to our countrymen, particularly to our young generation. Let us find time to teach our youth to sincerely embrace the meaning and significance of nationhood and make them recognize their responsibility to safeguard our freedom and democracy.”

Dela Rosa also called on his fellow public servants to strongly unite, set aside politics and focus on the work of achieving the goals the Philippines has been yearning for through the decades.

Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando, meanwhile, challenged the Filipinos “to be worthy of all the good things they are enjoying now.”

“As other countries in Asia continue to submit to other powerful nations, Filipinos have risen to their right to have (its) own government. Our ancestors defied the belief that we could govern our own country, so we are all here today,” he said.

Fernando also thanked dela Rosa for gracing the event despite his discomfort due to a motorcycle accident he had a few days ago.

He also led the singing of a birthday song for the senator who celebrated his birthday on January 20.

Also present during the event were National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) OIC-Executive Director Carminda Arevalo; Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon) Director Brig. Gen. Rhodel Semonia; acting Vice Governor Erlene Luz dela Cruz; provincial board members; 2nd District Rep. Gavini Pancho; and several municipal mayors of Bulacan.

Anchored on the theme “Unang Republika Filipina: Pundasyon sa Pagpapatatag ng Bansa”, the celebration was made possible through the joint efforts of the NHCP and provincial government of Bulacan. (PNA)