DSWD secretary leads Malolos Congress rites in Bulacan

CITY OF MALOLOS— Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian likened the government’s unified approach to combating poverty to the unity forged by the crafters of the Malolos Constitution as he led the celebration of the 128th anniversary of the Malolos Congress that was held at the historic Barasoain Church here. 

Gatchalian said Filipino leaders from different regions and provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gathered at the Barasoain Church on Sept. 15, 1898, to draft the laws of the land, which continue to guide the principles enforced by their modern counterparts under the second Marcos administration. 

According to Gatchalian, the crafters of the Malolos Constitution had different backgrounds and advocacies, but they converged at Barasoain Church in their bid for independence.    

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READ: Legarda cites significance of Malolos Congress on its 127th anniversary

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“The same thing happens today in our government. We have different mandates; we come from different departments but are one with one hope and wish to end poverty in our country,” the secretary said in an interview on the sidelines of the commemorative program.

“There is a whole-of-nation approach, a holistic approach (among) the national government, the local governments, the community, and civil society. Everyone is geared and focused towards addressing the needs of our people,” said the secretary. 

Gatchalian emphasized that “no progress and development can be achieved alone, and this principle is the inspiration” that guides current governments. 

Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando’s speech underscored the legacy of the crafters of the Malolos Constitution, saying that they adhered to “love for country, respect, and becoming good examples for the generations to come.”

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READ: October 1898: As Filipinos draft Constitution, US haggles with Spain

Fernando said part of the lessons the Malolos Congress taught Filipinos today is to adapt and embrace modern and advanced technologies “towards good and better purposes and not in assailing and destroying our fellowmen, particularly in social media.”

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“Kabataan, ang susunod na magmamana ng kalayaan ng Malolos, Congress, dapat ang ating gawin at ipakita ay pagkakaisa, pagmamahal at hindi siraan, pagbibigay ng mabuting halimbawa dahil iyan ang gusto ng ating mga bayaning ninuno. Iyan ang diwa ng kalayaan, ang diwa ng Malolos Constitution na maipagpatuloy ang kanilang ipinaglaban sa pamamagitan ng maganda at mabuting paraan,” the governor added.

(The youth will inherit the freedoms protected by the Malolos Congress, so our task is to show unity, compassion, and not to discredit others, which is what our founders wanted us to instill. That is the legacy of freedom; that is the wisdom of the Malolos Constitution that needs to be passed down to generations) 

The Malolos Congress was composed of delegates from across the country who fought for independence against Spanish colonizers and who gathered at the Barasoain Church to formulate the laws of the fledgling Philippine government. 

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Four months later, on January 23, 1899, the ratification of the Malolos Constitution paved the way for the establishment of the First Philippine Republic, which was also the first Asian republic./coa