“Our primary hero, Gat Marcelo, who holds the esteemed title of National Hero, should be our guide and beacon. His ideas, principles, and staunch opposition against corruption and abuse of power continue to inspire us to fight for what is right and just.”
This was the message of Governor Daniel Fernando to the Bulakenyos during the commemoration of the 173rd Birth Anniversary of Gat Marcelo H. Del Pilar held at the Marcelo H. Del Pilar Shrine in San Nicolas, Bulakan, Bulacan recently.
Anchored on the theme Marcelo H. Del Pilar Liwanag ng Nakaraan, Tanglaw natin sa Kasalukuyan, the Provincial Government of Bulacan led by Fernando and Vice Governor Alexis C. Castro led the wreath offering activity before the monument of Del Pilar along with Sangguniang Lalawigan of Bulacan, Sangguniang Bayan of Bulakan, DILG Provincial Director Myrvi Apostol-Fabia, representatives from the National Press Club of the Philippines, Bulacan Press Club, Central Luzon Association, Senior Grand Warden, Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, PNP-Bulakan among others.
As the honorary guest speaker, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Benhur Abalos, Jr. instilled to the hearts and minds of Bulakenyos the noble qualities of Del Pilar as he looked back on the latters heroism.
“Kung may isang bagay man na talagang hindi magbabago ay ang katangian ng katapangan; ang katangian ng kadakilaan; ang katangian ng pagmamahal; ang katangian ng pakikipagkapwa-tao.”
“Kung sinasabi nila na there will always be change, I will tell you this: kung may isang bagay man na talagang hindi magbabago ay ang katangian ng katapangan; ang katangian ng kadakilaan; ang katangian ng pagmamahal; ang katangian ng pakikipagkapwa-tao. Tandaan niyo ‘yan at iyan ang itatanim natin,” Abalos said.
Fernando also likened Del Pilar’s traits to the qualities that public servants should possess.
“Nakatuon tayo, hindi sa pansariling-interes kundi sa kapakanan ng higit na nakararami.”
“Nakatuon tayo, hindi sa pansariling-interes kundi sa kapakanan ng higit na nakararami. Kung ating susuriin, ang adhikain ng ating dakilang bayani ay tugma at angkop pa rin sa mga pangangailangan ng ating panahon; ang pagpapalakas ng lokal na pamahalaan; ang pagpapalaganap ng aktibong partisipasyon ng mga mamamayan,” the governor stressed.
According to Republic Act 11699, August 30 is also celebrated as National Press Freedom Day as a tribute to the greatness of Del Pilar as a journalist.
