Republic Day: The January holiday forgotten by many Pinoys

January 23 came and went but many Filipinos seem to have forgotten the importance of that day in Philippine history: the 116th anniversary of the Philippines first republic also known as the “Malolos Republic.” 

 

Ever since the launching of the “Vamos a Malolos” tourism campaign in December last year, I had been looking forward to the celebration of Malolos Republic Day, the centerpiece of the campaign.

 

One of the segments of the year-round Vamos a Malolos campaign is “Fiesta Republica,” which lasts from January 17 to 30. Fiesta Republica includes a short film festival, a bike festival, a brass band competition, and many others. However, the highlight is the January 23 rite at Barasoain Church in Malolos, where the first republic was inaugurated.

 

The Philippine flag was raised by Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, accompanied by Bulacan local officials, including Malolos Mayor Christian Natividad. Flowers were offered, speeches were given, and in less than an hour, the rite was over. I had been hoping for a truly grand celebration similar to Republic Day celebrations in other countries.

 

Natividad himself, who has become known for his passion in educating people about the importance of Malolos Republic Day, said he wishes the country would celebrate Republic Day with as much pomp and splendor as other countries do.

The importance of a Republic Day 

 

Natividad mentioned that in other countries, Republic Day is an opportunity to showcase a nation’s military strength and cultural diversity. Millions join the celebration of Republic Day as men in uniform hold a parade and various cultural groups stage performances.

 

In India, which marked its 66th Republic Day on January 26, various dignitaries attended the event, including US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle. Tricolor balloons were released into the air, helicopters and jet fighters fly above in salute, India’s Border Security Forces show off their motorcycle skills, and various cultural groups performed during the celebration.

 

For something like this to happen in the Philippines, Natividad said the country needs a “makabayan” President. He explained that his personal definition of “makabayan” means the country’s highest elected official cares enough to be present and to lead the celebration of the Malolos Republic Day.

 

Natividad said national leaders should be the ones leading the celebration of Malolos Republic Day, as it is a national holiday.

 

By virtue of Presidential Proclamation 533 issued in 2013, January 23 of every year has been declared Araw ng Republikang Filipino 1899. According to the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Malolos Republic Day is significant as the country became recognized as an independent nation and the first republic in Asia.

 

“Three republics”

 

Natividad admitted that Malolos Republic Day tends to be downplayed because the country has two other republics: 

 

 

Natividad, who was a lawyer before he became Mayor of Malolos, explained that the first Philippine Republic did not receive official international recognition. However, he believes that if the Philippines’ first President, General Emilio Aguinaldo was acknowledged internationally, the so should the first Philippine Republic that Aguinaldo established.

 

Aguinaldo had declared independence from Spain on June 12, 1898 from the balcony of his house in Kawit, Cavite. 

 

Wish list

 

Like the mayor, I too wish that the celebration of Malolos Republic Day would be a grander event widely celebrated each year. These are the things I would like to see during Republic Day:
 

1. The Fiesta Republica activities would be of “national scale,” not only barangay level. The organizers need to rethink the activities they include under the Fiesta Republica celebration from January 17-30. There are too many small events: Barangay singing idol, Yugyugan sa barangay, Rakrakan sa barangay. 

 

If the organizers want Malolos Republic Day to be appreciated on a national level, they should put up events that would be of interest to Filipinos all over the country. 

 

2. Better room and board for non-Malolos City residents. The organizers should also consider that these guests will need a good place to stay in and good restaurants to eat in when they join Fiesta Republica activities. Hotels are important; sometimes, a festival can be really good and exciting but if the guest stays at a bad hotel, the memory of that hotel stay could overshadow a person’s thoughts about that festival.

For example, we stayed at a small hotel in front of a mall and it was disappointing. The bedsheets were old and a bit worn out and the room’s interior design was appalling. In fact, for two days, I had nightmares. I dreamt that I was in an old house and couldn’t get out.

 

3. Malolos City would be considered as one big, beautiful “heritage site.” When we were given a tour of the different heritage houses in Malolos, I was reminded of the Las Casas Filipinas resort in Bataan. Unlike that resort, Malolos does not need to purchase such houses, as it has over 100 heritage sites already. I was thinking how beautiful Malolos City could be if it looked like an old Filipino-Spanish town with carefully-preserved heritage sites. 

 

I think if Malolos City looked like that, it would draw a huge crowd eager to learn about Philippine history. Not only during Malolos Republic Day every January 23, but the whole year round. — VC, GMA News