IMUS CITY, Cavite (PIA) — The city government of Imus and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led on Sunday, May 28 the commemoration of the 2023 National Flag Day and the Battle of Alapan’s 125th Anniversary in Imus Heritage Park.
To mark this year’s commemoration, the historic city of Imus unveiled the “Bantayog ng Inang Laya,” which was built to represent Philippine Independence.
The inauguration and ceremonial wreath-laying and flag-raising ceremonies were led by Senator Francis M. Tolentino and Mayor Alex Advincula, Cavite 3rd District Rep. Adrian Jay Advincula, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairman Emmanuel Franco Calairo, and other local officials.
In his message, Advincula called on the parents to be one with the educators in instilling in their children the love of country and being proud of the Filipino race, stressing the waning spirit of nationalism among Filipinos.
“Tungkulin natin bilang mga magulang at mga nakatatanda na buhayin ang diwa ng nasyonalismo sa kanila. Tulungan natin silang pahalagahan at bigyang galang ang kaganapan ng kasaysayan,” Advincula said.
Meanwhile, citing the role of history in the country’s progress and development, Dr. Calairo recalled the events leading to the historic Battle of Alapan. He said the battle reignited the Philippine revolution toward the attainment of the nation’s freedom.
Meanwhile, recognizing the sacrifices of every Filipino, Senator Tolentino stressed his long-time dream for a second Battle of Alapan — one which will signify equality and freedom of his countrymen from poverty.
“Ingatan po natin ang alaala ng Labanan sa Alapan, Ingatan po natin ang ating Watawat na tunay na sumasalamin sa ating mithiin. Ingatan po natin ang katarungan at karangalan ng ating bayan, at pagyamanin sa bawat sandali, sa bawat dako at sa ibabaw ng lahat, paglingkuran ang ating dakilang bayan,” Tolentino said.
The Battle of Alapan is considered the first military victory of the Filipino Revolutionary Army under General Emilio Aguinaldo following his return from exile in Hong Kong. It led to the declaration of Philippine Independence on June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite.
Proclamation No. 374, signed on March 6, 1965, by Former President Diosdado Macapagal, declared May 28 of every year as National Flag Day to commemorate the event the national emblem was first unfurled after Aguinaldo’s forces defeated the Spanish regiment in the Battle of Alapan.
Section 26 of Republic No. 8491, also known as the ‘Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines’ also declared May 28 to June 12 of each year as “Flag Days,” in which, all offices agencies, and instrumentalities of the government, business establishments, institutions of learning and private homes are enjoined to display the Philippine Flag. (RBF)
