Aguinaldo Day activities set in Cavite
KAWIT, Cavite – It is all systems go for the 150th birth anniversary of General Emilio F. Aguinaldo on March 22 at the hero's shrine in this historical municipality.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the local government have set a program for the Aguinaldo Day proper with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leading the activities.
Malacanang declared March 22 as a special non-working day in Cavite province in observance of the sesquicentennial birth celebration of Aguinaldo, a revolutionary leader and the country’s first president.
The declaration was contained in Proclamation No. 694 that was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea last March 12.
Aguinaldo Day is traditionally celebrated with simple activities at the Aguinaldo House/ Shrine or the family mansion on Tirona Highway (then called Calle Real) in Barangay Kaingin, this municipality.
Aguinaldo, called “Heneral Miong,” became president in 1898 at the age of 29. He was also known as “Caesar of the Philippines,” “The Arm of Divine Providence,” and “Liberator of the Filipino People” for his actions and accomplishments during the revolution. He was born on March 22, 1869 at Cavite El Viejo now called Kawit.
The staff of Aguinaldo Shrine Curator Haidee Paulette M. Bedruz said that the program proper starts at 8 a.m. Friday (March 22). The Aguinaldo birth celebration theme is "Kalayaan at Kasarinlan."
The Aguinaldo Thanksgiving Mass was set at Saint Mary Magdalene Church, 6:30 a.m. Friday (March 22). The day's celebration activities also include the Aguinaldo Commemorative Celebration and the Cavite El Viejo Karakol or Liturgy Dance Competition.
President Duterte will lead the 8 a.m. program starting with the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies and his message for the Aguinaldo birth celebration.
The program will also be graced by National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Dr. Rene Escalante, Head, NHCP, Kawit Mayor Angelo Emilio Aguinaldo, Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, Central Bank Deputy Governor Maria Almabara T. Amador, Philippine Postal Corp. Head Norman N. Fulgencio, other officials and the descendants of General Aguinaldo.