CITY OF MALOLOS – “It will be a shame that the life of our Great Bulakenyo was sacrificed if we don’t work together to promote a free, just and caring society. No matter how much sacrifice is required and no matter how heavy our trials, may we always choose to stand up for what is right. Let’s choose God’s order. Let’s choose honest service to our neighbor.”
This was the message of Gov. Daniel R. Fernando to the Bulakenyos during the commemoration of the 174th Birth Anniversary of Gat Marcelo H. Del Pilar held at the great propagandist’s shrine in Brgy. San Nicolas, Bulakan, Bulacan this morning.
“Hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay pinagbibigkis pa rin tayo ng kaniyang mga likha at aral. Naririto tayong lahat hindi lamang upang gunitain ang kaniyang kabayanihan at kagitingan. Narito tayo hindi lamang upang gunitain ang aral ng ating kasaysayan. Tayo ay umiiral sa makabagong mundo kung saan marapat lamang na wala nang puwang ang pagmamalabis, karahasan, pandaraya,” he added.
Meanwhile, guest of honor former Chairman of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) Greco Belgica, representative of Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go, delivered the latter’s message saying that the love for one’s country should be above words and more on actions.
“Ang buhay ni Gat Marcelo H. del Pilar ay isang malinaw na paalala na ang pagmamahal sa bayan ay dapat na lagpas sa salita; ito ay nasusukat sa ating mga gawa at handang isakripisyo para sa ikabubuti ng nakararami,” Belgica read.
The guest speaker also said that it was not easy to promote change and freedom during the time of Gat Marcelo H. del Pilar, but because of his concern and courage, many were encouraged and united to fight oppression.
“Currently, we continue to fight for the rights of Filipinos, especially the poor, and Senator Bong Go’s promotion of laws and programs aimed at providing better public services for all Filipinos is part of that,” Belgica continued.
Moreover, Belgica, together with Fernando, Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro, Bulakan Mayor Vergel C. Meneses, family and relatives of Marcelo and some officers and members of media organizations, led the Bulakenyos in honoring Marcelo H. del Pilar during the wreath laying activity before the hero’s monument.
The commemoration was made possible through the joint efforts of the Provincial Government of Bulacan, Municipal Government of Bulakan and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
August 30 is a holiday in Bulacan and coincides with the celebration of National Press Freedom Day.
