Jan. 23 declared as Araw ng Republikang Filipino

President Aquino has declared Jan. 23 of every year as Araw ng Republikang Filipino to commemorate the inauguration of the First Philippine Republic, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said yesterday.

Proclamation 533 “aims to promote awareness, especially among the youth, on the significance of this chapter in Philippine history that marked the culmination of the Philippine revolution against the Spanish rule.”

Malacañang earlier issued Proclamation 533, declaring Jan. 23 a special non-working holiday in the province of Bulacan.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines endorsed the issuance of the proclamation on the request of Malolos Mayor Christian Natividad.

The Malolos Constitution was promulgated in Jan. 21, 1899. After two days, the First Philippine Republic - also known as the Malolos Republic - was inaugurated at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan.

“This made the Philippines the first independent republic in Asia - a significant milestone we should all take pride in,” Ochoa said.

P-Noy to lead Barasoain Church event

The President was invited to grace this year’s celebration at the Barasoain Church that will also be attended by the governors of the eight provinces that rose against Spain.

Natividad told The STAR that Bulacan Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado and the city government would host the event.

He said that they sent invitations to Governors Lilia Pineda of Pampanga, Victor Yap of Tarlac, Aurelio Umali of Nueva Ecija, ER Ejercito of Laguna, Vilma Santos of Batangas and Juanito Victor Remulla Jr. of Cavite. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim was also invited.

The eight rays of the sun in the Philippine flag represent the eight provinces.

Alvarado said a bill seeking to declare Jan. 23 as a national holiday is still pending in Congress.