CITY OF MALOLOS—First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led on Thursday, Aug. 15, the 446th Bulacan Foundation Anniversary through the unveiling of a marker of the establishment of the Philippine National Red Cross 125 years ago.
Through a video message viewed in a huge screen beside a stage in front of the Capitol where a simple ceremony was held, the First Lady in a colored pink Filipiniana greeted nearly 200 Bulacan officials, descendants of World War II veterans, government employees, leaders of private sectors, other residents including the media.
“The Province of Bulacan is so much more than a haven for arts and tourism, it has been a pillar of our nation’s historic democracy. To Governor Fernando, Vice Governor Castro, and all the government officials present, please know that I am celebrating your anniversary with all of you today. Enjoy the Singkaban Festival. Maraming salamat po. Remember, sama-sama tayong babangon muli para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” she said.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Executive Director Carminda Arevalo and House Deputy Speaker, Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar joined Gov. Daniel Fernando and Vice Gov. Alex Castro, other Bulacan provincial officials and mayors in unveiling a marker for the establishment 125 years ago, on February 17, 1899 of the Philippine National Red Cross in Malolos, Bulacan.
Fernando said Bulacan on the celebration of its 446th founding anniversary deserves to own the recognition as the place where the Philippine National Red Cross was first established in the country.
He said, Malolos then, being the seat of power during the First Philippine Republic under then President Emilio Aguinaldo was the place where the Philippine National Red Cross in the country was put up. Hilaria del Rosario, wife of President Aguinaldo, founded the Philippine National Red Cross in Malolos on February 17, 1899.
The marker by the National Historical Commission reads “Asociacion Filantrópica de los Damas de la Cruz Roja en Filipinas. Itinatag sa Unang Republika Pilipinas sa pamumuno ni Hilaria del Rosario, maybahay ni Pangulong Emilio Aguinaldo sa Malolos Bulacan, 17 Pebrero 1899. Layon nitong alagaan ang mga sugatan at maysakit na kawal noong digmaang Pilipino-Amerikano kaagapay ang hukbong sandatahan ng Unang Republika. Pinalawig ang kanilang mga sangay sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas. Patunay ang institusyong ito na batid at kinikilala ng Unang Republika ang Kumbensiying Geneva ng 1864 na nagtatadhana sa Cruz Roja na magkawang-gawa sa gitna ng digmaan,” (Founded during the First Philippine Republic under the leadership of Hilaria del Rosario, wife of President Emilio Aguinaldo in Malolos, Bulacan, 17th of February 1899. It aims to provide medical care for sick and wounded soldiers during the Philippine-American war with the help and support of the armed troops of the First Philippine Republic. Their branches were expanded and spread out all over the country. This proves that through this institution, the First Republic knew and recognized the 1864 Geneva Convention which provides for the Red Cross to conduct medical works and services during war).
Fernando who also led the officials in unveiling the logo for the 450th founding anniversary of Bulacan in 2028 said the Bulakenyo resiliency, unity and collective strength in times of disasters and calamities and the province leaders genuine services and love for the country is what makes Bulacan as one of the most progressive provinces in the country today. “As our province today becomes a magnet for global development, It is of real pride and glory that we observe today our province 446th anniversary with such great language and dialect of our people, religion, music, arts, culture, history, heritage and tradition and the people’s positivity and good character amidst the challenges we continue to face brought by calamities and disasters,” the governor said.
Rep. Villar, who was the guest speaker assured Bulacan officials of their whole family’s support to the province as it continues to strive among the finest provinces in the country.
“We are here to support Bulacan. We will work hard to help your province and your leaders. We admire the province’s success and we want to be a part of your world class and rich and abundant Bulacan Province,” she addressed the said guest attendees.
Villar also hailed the Bulakenyo people as the real driving force that makes the province reach its success and glory.
