NLEX Corporation will start the construction to elevate the 200-meter portion of San Simon on Saturday, September 23 as part of its flood mitigation program.

Targeted for completion before the year ends, the tollway company will work 24/7 to ensure the pavement raising project under the Tulaoc overpass will be completed on schedule.  This is to ensure minimum traffic disruption for the motorists’ convenience.

“We will do our best to accelerate the completion of the project to enable our motorists immediately enjoy faster and safer travel in the area in any weather condition,” said NLEX Corporation President J. Luigi L. Bautista.

Starting at the northbound direction, NLEX assures that two lanes per direction will be available for motorists during the construction works. A counterflow will be opened at the opposite direction to ensure seamless travel for motorists despite the lane closures.

The same traffic management scheme will be applied to the southbound direction once the works at the northbound portion are done.

The tollway company is advising the motorists to plan their trips and expect heavy volume of traffic during the pavement raising.

“We would like to remind our motorists to expect high volume of traffic in the area once the project starts.  While this may cause temporary inconvenience for our motorists, the long term benefit of a flood-free road will be experienced once we fully complete the elevation of the this San Simon area,” Bautista added.

NLEX has coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and concerned local government units to provide alternative routes for motorists in case traffic congestion is experienced.

Since August, NLEX has been undertaking preliminary works under the Tulaoc overpass in San Simon in preparation for the construction of the project, which include the completion of the detailed engineering design for the pavement raising of both the north and south bounds. 

Apart from elevating the 200-meter portion by 0.7 meter, NLEX plans to add another 0.3 meter on the pavement once the raising of the Tulaoc overpass by DPWH is completed, raising the portion by a total of 1 meter.

To minimize traffic slowdowns and provide immediate roadside assistance, the tollway company will implement the following traffic management scheme: deployment of patrol crews and traffic marshals, installation of traffic signs in strategic locations, and posting of regular traffic updates on electronic variable message signs and social media accounts. For more information on the closures and advisories, motorists may send a message to NLEX Corporation’s social media accounts @NLEXexpressways or call their customer service hotline 1-35000.

The simple things in life are oftentimes taken for granted. To some people, tangible objects like clothes, bags, or shoes are normal commodities that they can easily buy and eventually dispose of at will. Meanwhile, millions of people around the world, specifically children, walk barefoot as they lack financial resources to avail themselves of decent footwear.

According to a 2017 article by William Blischke, an American Sociology professor at the California State University Dominguez Hills, 14% of the earth’s inhabitants lack shoes or have inadequate footwear. He adds that in some developing countries, shoeless children cannot attend school because they may communicate and contract diseases from their foot sores. This is why some international non-profit organizations claim that shoes, or the lack thereof, are one of the most visible signs of poverty.

In the Philippines, there is no available academic study that justifies Filipino children’s actual lack of shoes. However, this phenomenon can be substantiated by the 2023 report of the Department of Education, which states that one of the most pressing issues in the basic education system is the lack of access to resources. Since school shoes are an integral part of a student’s uniform even in public schools, it will be difficult for less-privileged families to purchase them. Thus, leaving children with no choice but to either use their old and ill-fitting shoes, or worse, walk barefoot – just to complete their education.

This is the challenge that the SM Store intends to address through the Share Shoes campaign – to provide school shoes to the poverty-stricken students of the Philippines. In line with the celebration of SM’s 65th founding anniversary and through the help of its dedicated customers and partner-organizations, SM Store aims to donate more than sixteen thousand (16,000+) pairs of shoes to the last-mile schools and communities in the country. With a minimum of Three Thousand Pesos (P3,000) single-receipt-spend at any SM Store, a customer is entitled to donate a pair of shoes, which originally retails for P299, for only Sixty-Five Pesos (P65.00) and shall be considered as a Share Shoes Champion.

In a statement, Mr. Dhinno S Tiu, Executive Vice President of SM Store, exemplifies the value and symbolism of shoes for both SM and its advocacy to support the community:

“Shoes have been the core of our business for over 65 years. Thus, giving out thousands of shoes to the Filipino children who need them the most through the generosity of our customers, is a symbolic gesture of our commitment to continue to live the legacy of sharing and giving back to our partner communities.”

More than a material donation, SM Store hopes that these pairs of shoes would help the children’s journey towards a better life. Through a simple act of giving, these underprivileged children will be able to learn, play, and flourish in school. And by protecting their young feet, time will come when they can confidently step, walk, run, and even leap towards their individual goals and dreams. Shop at your favorite SM Store at SM malls in Baliwag and Marilao until November 15, 2023 to support a child in need. For only P65, you can help transform a life by being a Share Shoes Champion! Help us put shoes on a child’s feet and together, let us witness how they walk through life with smiles on their faces. (Per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-172377, Series of 2023)

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) recently concluded a fruitful delegation to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), aimed at promoting electric vehicles (EVs) and fostering cross-border collaboration in the electric vehicle sector. Led by Chairman Rommel Juan and President Edmund Araga, EVAP’s two-man delegation explored opportunities in the world of electric mobility.

Upon arrival, the delegation received a warm welcome from First Secretary and Commercial Consul Rapunzel Acop of the Philippine Embassy, who provided insights into Lao PDR’s economy and evolving EV industry.

A highlight of the trip was a meeting with Mr. Manny Kham, Deputy Director of Laos’s Department of Transportation. EVAP invited Mr. Kham to speak at their upcoming EV Summit, strengthening ties between the Philippines and Laos.

The delegation’s success peaked during their meeting with Mr. Souliyo Vongdala, CEO of Loca Company Limited—a Lao tech startup known as Laos’s Uber for EVs, boasting a fleet of around 250 electric vehicles. Mr. Vongdala expressed eagerness to collaborate, helping Laos establish its electric vehicle association and join the AFEVA or the Asean Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations.

Chairman Rommel Juan expressed satisfaction with the visit, highlighting the potential for mutual learning and regional sustainable transportation promotion.

This delegation marks a significant step in Southeast Asia’s electric mobility journey, fostering knowledge sharing and infrastructure development in Laos. It also strengthens the Philippines and Laos’ cooperation for a sustainable, electric future.

In a promising development, Mr. Vongdala and a Laos delegation will join the 11th Philippine EV Summit at SMX Mall of Asia from October 19th to 21st. This collaboration promises to enhance knowledge exchange and international cooperation, underlining both nations’ commitment to a sustainable ASEAN region.

The 11th Philippine EV Summit, featuring Mr. Vongdala and the Laos delegation, will be a significant gathering of industry leaders, experts, and enthusiasts. It offers a platform to discuss the latest EV developments, challenges, and opportunities, furthering the electric mobility revolution through international partnerships.

Reforesting damaged forests is crucial for fighting climate change and protecting wildlife. One common way to do this is by planting trees, but this can be expensive and labor-intensive. A cheaper and more effective approach is Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR), which can involve the use of bird perches to attract fruit-eating birds that can help spread tree seeds and speed up the natural regeneration of the forest.

Researchers from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science Institute of Biology (UPD-CS IB), the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, and the UK’s Newcastle University aim to embark on a systematic review and meta analysis of previous studies and observations to figure out how well artificial and natural perches work in increasing seed dispersal and seedling growth on degraded areas.

“The results will synthesize available evidence on the topic, identify knowledge gaps we need filling to upscale the strategy, and inform their use in concert with other ANR strategies,” the researchers said in their paper. “The search strategy was informed through a literature scan and discussions with stakeholders and experts,” they added.

The meta study aims to see if perches help bring in more seeds and seedlings in terms of numbers and types. The researchers hope to learn how to use perches better and combine them with other strategies to bring damaged forests back to life.

The results of the meta study are expected to be available in 2024.

References: Gan, J. L., Grainger, M. J., Shirley, M. D. F., & Pfeifer, M. (03 August 2023). How effective are perches in promoting bird-mediated seed dispersal for natural forest regeneration? A systematic review protocol. Environmental Evidence, 12(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13750-023-00308-z

TB is curable but remains the world’s leading infectious disease killer 

12 September 2023, Geneva/New York: Next week, world leaders meet for the second-ever global tuberculosis (TB) High-Level Meeting at the United Nations (UN) in New York, to endorse ambitious commitments to ramp up TB testing, treatment and prevention in light of innovative medical tools that have become available over the last decade but that still do not reach hundreds of thousands of people who need them – in large part because of corporations’ monopolies. Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) strongly called on US corporations Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Cepheid to publicly announce by the High-Level Meeting on 22 September that they will take action to improve access to the lifesaving TB drug bedaquiline and GeneXpert tests, respectively, so these can be made available for everyone who needs them, everywhere. Doctors Without Borders calls on J&J not to enforce any ‘secondary’ patents for bedaquiline in any country with a high burden of TB, and to withdraw and abandon all pending secondary patent applications for this critical drug everywhere. Doctors Without Borders also calls on Cepheid, and its parent corporation Danaher, to drop the price of the GeneXpert TB test from US$10 to $5.

Doctors Without Borders welcomed the recent price drop for bedaquiline to $130 per 6-month treatment course announced by the Stop TB Partnership/ Global Drug Facility (GDF), which resulted from generic competitors entering the market, and has finally brought the price closer to the target price of $0.50 per day as estimated in 2017. However, access to lowest-priced generics will be blocked in the future for high TB burden countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia that remain excluded from the deal due to patent barriers.

“After a gap of half a century, we finally have groundbreaking oral TB drugs like bedaquiline and crucial diagnostic tests including GeneXpert, and yet people in high-TB-burden countries continue to die or endure needless suffering because corporate monopolies prevent them from accessing these lifesaving tools,” said Dr Christos Christou, International President of Doctors Without Borders. “We are calling on Johnson & Johnson, Cepheid and its parent company Danaher in the strongest possible terms to do the right thing now and pledge to make bedaquiline and the GeneXpert test universally available and affordable to help countries tackle this age-old killer disease and save many more lives worldwide.”  

The TB drug bedaquiline, developed by J&J, is the World Health Organization-recommended backbone of drug resistant-TB (DR-TB) treatment regimens, and has enabled an improved, shorter, better-tolerated and more-effective treatment for people with DR-TB. However, access to more affordable generic versions of this drug will continue to be blocked by the additional ‘secondary patents’ that J&J has obtained in multiple countries with a high burden of TB, TB-HIV or DR-TB. This aggressive patent evergreening strategy employed by J&J to extend its monopoly on this drug beyond the 20-year primary patent is particularly outrageous given that public investment in the development of bedaquiline was up to five times that of the corporation’s own investment. 

Following a successful effort by two women to block J&J’s attempt to obtain an additional, longer patent on bedaquiline in India, Doctors Without Borders called on J&J to withdraw all secondary patents it may have anywhere, so that all countries can import more affordable generic versions made in India. Nandita Venkatesan and Phumeza Tisile both survived DR-TB but could not access bedaquiline and had to take older drugs which made them go deaf. J&J recently announced a deal with the Stop TB Partnership/Global Drug Facility (GDF) allowing  access to generics in many countries and quoted a price drop of $130 per 6-month treatment course. However, the deal still excludes key high-TB burden countries.

“Nobody should have to endure what we went through with the older drugs, when more effective options are now available that can save more lives and make treatment much more tolerable for people,” said Phumeza Tisile, a TB activist from Khayelitsha, South Africa. “What good is it to have medical advances if they’re not reaching the people who need them most? We need to see J&J and Cepheid do the right thing now.”

The GeneXpert diagnostic testing technology produced by the US corporation Cepheid (owned by parent corporation Danaher) has revolutionised TB testing since entering the market in 2010. But because of the high price that Cepheid continues to charge for the GeneXpert tests, scaling up TB testing to all people who need it remains a challenge and still forces many TB care providers to rely on cheaper but less sensitive testing using microscopes, a method developed in the 1800s. Doctors Without Borders analysis has estimated that it costs Cepheid less than $5 to manufacture one GeneXpert TB test, while Cepheid has been charging Doctors Without Borders and high-burden low- and middle-income countries double that price per TB test for more than 10 years now, and even up to four times that for other disease tests*. Based on this evidence Doctors Without Borders calls on Cepheid to lower the price of the GeneXpert cartridges to $5 each for all diseases.

While advances in tackling TB have been made, the harsh reality is that TB remains the top infectious killer, with about 10.6 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths in 2021. Only about one-third of people with DR-TB were able to access treatment, with the majority of people remaining undiagnosed and therefore untreated.  

“In our persistent efforts to provide treatment for the most difficult forms of drug-resistant TB, we remain disheartened by the significant loss of lives especially among the most vulnerable people, including people living with HIV, those affected by conflicts, and children in high-TB-burden countries,” said Dr. Cathy Hewison, TB Working Group Lead for Doctors Without Borders. “While urgent scale-up of improved treatments and testing is the need of the hour, high prices still charged by some companies not only limit access for people who urgently need them, but also mean less money is available in health budgets to cover other crucial TB care. Cepheid and Danaher must stop prioritising their profits over people, and J&J must surrender on its persistent aggressive patenting strategy, so that more lives can be saved by this revolution in TB medical tools.” 

*Cepheid charges about $15 for HIV, hepatitis, and COVID tests, $16-19 for sexually transmitted disease tests, and about $20 for the Ebola and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) tests.

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Doctors Without Borders is the largest non-governmental provider of TB treatment worldwide and has been involved in TB care for 30 years, often working alongside national health authorities to treat people in a wide variety of settings, including conflict zones, urban slums, prisons, refugee camps and rural areas. In 2022, Doctors Without Borders treated more than 17,000 people with TB, including 2,300 people with DR-TB, in over 60 TB projects in 41 countries.

For more information, visit https://doctorswithoutborders-apac.org/en.

In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, they have also faced their fair share of skepticism and negative publicity. Rommel Juan, Chairman of the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), has been a staunch advocate for EVs and is committed to debunking these myths.

Myth 1: EVs Run on Fossil Fuels One of the most persistent myths about EVs is that they simply shift the environmental burden from the tailpipe to the power plant. Critics argue that since most electricity is generated from fossil fuels, EVs are not a genuinely green choice. However, the EVAP Chairman who frequently encounters these questions about EVs, points out a key fact: in the Philippines, the Renewable Energy Law mandates that up to 25% of all electricity produced must come from renewable sources such as solar, geothermal, wind, biomass, and more. This ensures that a significant portion of the energy powering EVs in the country is clean and sustainable.

Even in regions where electricity generation relies heavily on fossil fuels, EVs are still more efficient than their ICE counterparts. Internal combustion engines are at their peak efficiency at lower RPMs, typically below 3,000. In contrast, EVs are efficient throughout their usage, making them a far more eco-conscious choice.

Myth 2: EVs Are Vulnerable to Flooding Concerns about EVs being rendered inoperable during floods are common, especially in flood-prone areas like Manila. However, Juan, always striving to educate everyone about the benefits of electric vehicles, dismisses this notion by highlighting the Ingress Protection (IP) ratings of EV motors. The average IP rating for an EV motor is IP67, with IP68 being the highest achievable rating. An IP67-rated component can endure submersion in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes without sustaining damage. This level of water resistance ensures that flooding is not a significant threat to EVs, making them a practical choice in regions with heavy rainfall.

Myth 3: EVs Are More Prone to Fires A common misconception that often circulates is the belief that electric vehicles (EVs) are more likely to catch fire compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. However, Rommel Juan clarifies, “There is no proof or any study that suggests EVs catch fire more frequently than conventional ICE vehicles. What we often see is that when an EV does catch fire, it tends to make headlines more frequently than ICE vehicle fires.” This emphasis on isolated incidents can create a misleading perception that EVs are less safe when, in fact, their safety records are on par with or even superior to their ICE counterparts.

Myth 4: EVs Will Overload the Power Grid

Another misconception that frequently circulates is the fear that the widespread adoption of electric vehicles will collapse the Philippine power grid. However, Rommel Juan is quick to debunk this notion, stating, “The Department of Energy (DOE) has crafted charging strategies that can prevent overloading and even support grid reliability. EVs can be charged during off-peak hours, reducing the strain on the grid. Additionally, the concept of vehicle-to-grid technology allows EVs to act as a power source that can even push energy back into the grid when needed.” This innovative approach ensures that the power grid remains stable even with a growing number of EVs on the road.

Myth 5: Lack of Charging Infrastructure

Another common concern is that there are not enough charging stations for EVs. However, this is far from the truth. Rommel Juan points out, “Electric vehicles can be plugged into the same type of outlet as your electric fan. And in fact, there are more and more charging stations being set up by various EVAP members every day.” The increasing availability of charging infrastructure across the Philippines ensures that EV owners have convenient access to charging facilities.

Myth 6: Insufficient Range

Lastly, some skeptics claim that EVs do not have enough range to handle the daily travel demands of Filipinos. Juan addresses this concern, stating, “Electric vehicle range is more than enough for typical daily use in the Philippines. Most models offer a range of over 300-400 kilometers, while the typical Filipino daily drive is approximately 40 kilometers.” This means that the range of EVs comfortably covers the average daily commute, dispelling any worries about insufficient mileage.

Dr. Manny Biona, EVAP Executive Director, adds valuable insight to this myth and says that China, a major player in the EV market, set a minimum range requirement of 400 kilometers for EVs to qualify for subsidies. This strategic move by China significantly contributed to pushing up the range of EVs globally, ensuring that consumers have ample range for their daily travel needs.

EVAP, is a dedicated advocate for electric vehicles and is determined to dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding them. With well-crafted government strategies, a growing network of charging infrastructure, and ample range to meet daily travel needs, electric vehicles are not just a sustainable option but also a practical and reliable choice for Filipino consumers. As the world shifts toward electric mobility, EVAP extends a warm invitation to all to visit the 11th Philippine EV Summit happening on October 19-21 at the SMX in MOA. This event provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about EVs, witness the latest EV models, and explore the expanding charging station network, solidifying the Philippines’ place in the green transportation revolution.

The Philippines takes a significant leap forward in its journey towards modernization with the PUV (Public Utility Vehicle) Modernization Program, which not only promises improved transportation services but also offers a substantial economic benefit by creating more than 3,000 jobs in the manufacturing industry. The Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP), represented by Mr. Von Carlo Deveza, reports that the PUV Modernization Program is paving the way for economic growth and prosperity.

The PUV Modernization Program, initiated by the Philippine government, is a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing public transportation across the country. It focuses on upgrading public utility vehicles to meet higher standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental friendliness, providing commuters with a more reliable and comfortable transportation experience.

One of the key components of this program is the production of modern PUV bodies, which are essential for the transformation of the country’s public transportation system. ABMAP, the representative body for automotive body manufacturers in the Philippines, highlights the pivotal role it plays in this initiative. By providing modern and efficient PUV bodies, local manufacturers are contributing significantly to the modernization effort.

Von Carlo Deveza, spokesperson for ABMAP, commented on the positive impact of the PUV Modernization Program on the Philippine manufacturing industry, saying, “The PUV Modernization Program is a game-changer for our sector. It not only addresses the transportation needs of our citizens but also fuels economic growth by creating more than 3,000 jobs and increasing added value contribution on the manufacturing sector.”

The manufacturing of PUV bodies requires skilled labor and the use of advanced technologies, contributing to the development of a more robust and competitive manufacturing sector in the Philippines. With the demand for modern PUVs on the rise, local manufacturers are experiencing increased production, which, in turn, leads to more job opportunities for Filipinos.

The job creation resulting from the PUV Modernization Program is not limited to factory workers alone. It also involves various aspects of the supply chain, including research and development, logistics, and quality control, further boosting the nation’s manufacturing ecosystem.

Furthermore, the growth of the manufacturing sector is expected to have a multiplier effect on the Philippine economy, as it stimulates local consumption and promotes the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in various aspects of the PUV production process.

As the PUV Modernization Program continues to unfold, it is clear that it is not only a transportation revolution but also a catalyst for economic progress. With the combined efforts of the government, industry stakeholders, and the hardworking people of the Philippines, the program is well on its way to reshaping the nation’s transportation landscape while fostering job creation and economic prosperity.

For more information on the PUV Modernization Program and its impact on the Philippines’ manufacturing industry, please contact:

About ABMAP:

The Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP), represented by Mr. Von Carlo Deveza, is the leading representative body for automotive body manufacturers in the country. ABMAP is dedicated to advancing the interests of its members and promoting excellence in automotive body manufacturing in the Philippines.

Experience a fun and exciting food trip with your friends, and family as you discover new dining gems and deals at SM Food Fest 2023 happening at SM malls in Baliwag and Marilao.

With this month’s enticing promo, food buddies can enjoy merienda, feast treats, and street foods at an affordable price. 

SM also offers “tipid” hacks for besties and students that loves to mix and match foods.  Just check SM Deals for more promos and discounts on delicious food finds that fit your student budget. Grab the #BestFoodDealsatSM here https://www.smdeals.com/deals/enjoy-food-fest.

Tag your friends, and family, and celebrate SM Food Fest until September 30 at your favorite Foodcourt in SM City Baliwag and SM City Marilao.

CITY OF MALOLOS—Senator Loren Legarda urged Bulacan officials during Friday’s 125th anniversary of the Malolos Congress to create their respective cultural mapping laws to discover, appreciate and preserve more the rich Philippine history, culture and heritage.

Legarda, guest of honor and speaker in this year’s Malolos Congress anniversary celebration who said her great great grandfather, Ariston Helia, being the grandfather of her mother, who was a pharmacist from Antique was one of the delegates to the Malolos Congress held inside the Barasoain Church on Sept. 15, 1898 addressed Bulacan officials during the event saying cultural mapping laws in each local government units (LGU) would further boost our pride and love for our nation and being Filipinos. 

Cultural mapping is the conduct of actual physical research and interviews to local folks on the still existing heritage, culture and history in each of the villages in one’s city and municipality that includes tangible moveable, tangible immoveable, structures like churches, houses, artifacts, etc. 

The senator said that not only history, culture and heritage would be discovered and preserved in the cultural mapping but even one’s locality’s bio diversity, rituals, hobbies. 

“Vital sa LGU to have a cultural mapping law para malaman natin ang sarili nating yaman. Bilang senate chair on culture and the arts, the Cultural Mapping Bill I authored and was passed into law ay isinusulong natin yan. Sana ang buong province ng Bulacan magkaroon nito. Hindi lang kasaysayan ang ating mape-preserba, kundi pati bio divesity, hobbies, ritual, lalo nating mamahalin ang ating bayan at ang ating pagka-Pilipino. Paigtingin pa natin ang mga programa tungkol sa kasaysayan,” (It is important for the LGUs to have their respective cultural mapping laws to know their own respective rich history and culture. As chair of the senate culture and the arts, I authored the bill on cultural mapping that was passed into law. I hope that the whole of Bulacan province will have its own cultural mapping laws. It is not only history which would be discovered in cultural mapping but even bio diversity, hobbies, rituals. We would be able to love our being Filipinos even more. Let us further enhance the programs about our history), she said. 

Legarda said she also filed a bill for all LGUs to provide an allocation for local studies centers. 

With this year’s theme on the 125th anniversary of the Malolos Congress “Kongreso ng Malolos, Saligan sa Pagsulong ng Nagbabagong Panahon,” the senator hailed the works and participation of our leaders and ancestors because the Malolos Congress served as the foundation of the freedom, equality, education, rights and justice we enjoy today. 

There were about 190 delegates from all over the country who all gathered at the Barasoain Church on September 15, 1898 and crafted the Malolos Constitution, the first law of the land that served as the backbone of the June 12, 1988 declaration of Philippine Independence.

“We will not let what our ancestors have fought for to just be wasted. The freedom we achieved is a responsibility we need to protect and preserve,” she said. 

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Executive Director Emmanuel Calairo who also spoke as guest in the event said the Malolos Congress is very important in our history and freedom because it is what ratified our country’s independence. 

He said such a number of delegates from 70 provinces in the country who attended the Malolos Congress have worked hard together and had proven that the battle cry of our national heroes that our country’s freedom can only be achieved through democratic rule.

“Malolos Congress ratifies our country’s freedom. It provides for our constitution that paved the way to become the First Republic in Asia,” Calairo said. 

According to the NHCP head, the delegates in the Malolos Congress made a choice from among three versions of the constitution t be adopted—the one prepared by Pedro Paterno, Apolinario Mabini and Felipe Calderon. In the end, it was that of Calderon that prevailed, the version that provides for a presidential unicameral and a republican system where there was also the separation of church and state.

“Malolos Congress was very historic because for the first time, there were delegates from all over the country. The constitution that was crafted here became the foundation of the First Philippine Republic on Jan. 23, 1899 which was then hailed and recognized as the First Philippine Republic in Asia,” Calairo added. 

Vice Governor Alexis Castro who spoke on behalf of Gov. Daniel Fernando said Bulacan continues to recognize the value and importance of the glorious history of our nation especially so that major events in the country’s freedom and democracy were fought and achieved in his beloved Bulacan province. 

Castro said the Malolos Congress is the culmination of the annual “Sining Kalinangan ng Bulacan” (Singkaban) Festival where the province’s role in our country’s freedom including its own rich culture and heritage are remembered, highlighted, preserved and promoted for the next generation.

City of Malolos Mayor Christian Natividad said history repeats itself as the Filipino leadership and capabilities continue to be challenged today.