CITY OF MALOLOS—Officers and members of the Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA) on Saturday braced the long hours of travel in the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) due to a flooded portion in San Simon, Pampanga brought by the back-flooding of waters from the mountainous areas of Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Pampanga bound to Manila Bay to attend to their 13th Directorate’s Meet and to also visit the First Philippine Republic historical sites in this capital city of Bulacan.
Gov. Daniel Fernando and Mayor Christian Natividad supported the event and welcomed twenty member-participants from Zambales-Olongapo, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Bulacan.
Bulacan hosted the CLMA 13th Directorate’s Meet through its Region President Carmela Reyes-Estrope of Philippine Daily Inquirer and NEWS CORE.
The group toured the Barasoain Church and Museum, had a glimpse of the events that took place during the Malolos Congress, the Malolos Constitution and the First Philippine Republic on September 15, 1898 and January 23, 1899 respectively which catapulted the country’s freedom and democracy as the First Republic in Asia.
They also personally experienced the shade of the centuries-old Kalayaan Tree in front of the Malolos Cathedral, now called the Basilica Minore which convent served as Malacanang then where Philippine Republic President Emilio Aguinaldo resided and held office.
CLMA Zambales-Olongapo President Vic Vizcocho Jr. and his group also glanced for the first time the Women of Malolos Museum and other old houses along “kamestisuhan” street in Barangay Sto. Nino in the city proper which old houses where converted and used as major department offices of the national government under the First Philippine Republic.
Dante Salvana from Zambales-Olobgapo chapter who writes for iOrbit news online based in Pampanga expressed elation and excitement he again visited the Barasoain Church after 33 years. “I am very glad and blessed to have visited Mt. Carmel, the patron saint of Barasoain Church after 33 years. Now, I am with my wife Estella,” he said.
J&T Express, Lawiswis Kawayan Garden Resort and Spa in Calumpit town also supported the event as partners.
CLMA, the only existing regional media club in the country today will hold its 45th year founding anniversary celebration this year.
