The House committee on revision of laws has approved a
proposal to declare January 23 of every year a special working holiday in the
entire country to commemorate the declaration of the First Philippine Republic.
The committee chaired by Rep. Marlyn L. Primicias-Agabas
(6th District, Pangasinan) approved House Bill 477 authored by Rep. Jose
Antonio R. Sy-Alvarado (1st District, Bulacan) who said the holiday declaration
will commemorate the declaration of the First Philippine Republic on Jan. 23,
1899 at the Barasoain Church in the City of Malolos, Bulacan.
The bill is a refilled proposal that was approved on third
and final reading during the 16th Congress according to Agabas.
“The significance of Jan. 23, 1899 is that the First
Philippine Republic came into being as the sovereign choice of the people. It
was a conscious choice to reject a dictatorial and revolutionary government and
establish for all the future Filipino generations the groundwork for
democracy,” said Sy-Alvarado.
As the First Republic in Asia ,
Sy-Alvarado said Filipinos are proud of their strong democratic and republican
ideals as a nation. He said it was on June 12, 1898 when General Emilio
Aguinaldo declared the Philippines
“The upheaval of nationalistic fervor leading to our
independence was followed with cool and calm which was thought to make the
gains for Philippine democracy and republicanism more lasting and permanent
through the enactment of the first organic law for the Philippine Republic,”
said Sy-Alvarado.
Hence, he said it is of much importance that Filipinos need
to commemorate Jan. 23 every year. “The beginning of Filipino democracy and
self-government, indigenously concluded, magnifies the political maturity and
readiness of our forefathers at the turn of that century,” said Sy-Alvarado.
The lawmaker said the beliefs and aspirations of Filipinos
as a nation, united in pursuit for life, liberty and enjoyment of the benefits
of their democracy, is encapsulated by the nation’s rich and noble history.
“I hope that we can give due recognition with this great
feat and achievement of our forefathers in commemorating January 23 as a
national holiday,” said Sy-Alvarado.
The bill declares January 23 of every year as "the
First Philippine Republic Day" and shall be a special working holiday in
the entire country.
The National Historical Commission (NHC), in coordination
with the Department of Education (DepEd), shall plan and implement activities
for "The First Philippine Republic Day" and ensure that the
significance of the historical event will continue to inspire and instill pride
among Filipinos on the rich and noble history of the nation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928184
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