In commemorating the 126th anniversary of the opening of the Malolos Congress, Senator Loren Legarda underscored the importance of this historic event as a reminder to treasure and uphold the independence the Philippines continues to enjoy.
“The events of the past have already imparted us invaluable lessons about our struggle for independence. We owe this hard-earned independence to our forefathers, whose dedicated efforts and courage freed our nation from foreign oppression,” said Legarda.
The Barasoain Church in Malolos witnessed one of the most important moments in Philippine history, where representatives from across the country crafted one of the earliest republican constitutions in Asia. This laid the foundation for the Philippines’ nearly 60-year struggle for recognition as an independent nation, enduring two major wars that almost decimated the country.
The four-term Senator also took pride in her connection to this historic event, noting that her great-grandfather, Ariston Gella, the first pharmacist of Antique, was among the delegates who contributed to crafting the Malolos Constitution.
“The Malolos Congress serves as a reminder for us, public servants, to always uphold the rule of law and put the best interests of the Filipino people forward. Our predecessors showed us that there is hope and the opportunity to build a lasting national identity – an identity that we can be proud of, one that has consistently proven its strength and resilience against adversity,” Legarda said.
“We have come a long way since those humble days in 1898, and with the challenges and lessons from the past, we continue to strive to become a better version of ourselves as a nation,” Legarda concluded.
It may be recalled that Legarda led the nation’s commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the opening by delivering the keynote speech in Malolos City in 2023.
Very informative. I just knew this. History must remembered.