By Gladys Pino/PNA
Angelo Jarin Aguinaldo (2nd from left) and Jennet Aguinaldo-McAree (2nd from right), descendants of the late Gen. Emilio F. Aguinaldo, join Director Myrna De Persia-Medina (3rd from left), Napolcom Acting Executive Officer; and school principal Zenaida U. Arao (right), in the unveiling of the bust monument of the former Philippine president at the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo High School along Boni Serrano Avenue in Quezon City on Monday (Dec. 10, 2018). (PNA photo by Gladys S. Pino)
MANILA — A bust monument of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the country’s first President, was unveiled Monday inside Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo High School (CGEAHS) along Boni Serrano Avenue in Quezon City.
The bust will serve as a lifetime reminder of the great revolutionary leader’s contribution in attaining the country’s independence, officials said.
Speaking before scores of school teachers, alumni, and other guests including Aguinaldo’s descendants, Director Myrna De Persia-Medina, Acting Executive Officer of the National Police Commission (Napolcom), enjoined the youths to look beyond the sculpture and be inspired by Aguinaldo’s ideals.
Following Monday’s bust unveiling rites, Medina, the school’s Class of 1977 Salutatorian, spelled out these ideals, which include offering one’s self to the country by doing “ordinary things in extraordinary ways.”
Medina said that victory stems from “perseverance, discipline, being obedient, patient, and most importantly from having good manners.”
Aguinaldo’s examples during his historical life may serve as model to the youth – the future leaders – as they aim and work for positive changes in the country, much like other Filipino heroes who offered their lives for the country’s peace and prosperity.
The General, who became President at the young age of 29, maybe synonymous to a plethora of things – from his eventful and exciting life, his courageous and bold political actions, and the various accusations being thrown towards his name.
Aguinaldo’s most important role in history is his presidential proclamation of the Philippine Independence in Kawit, Cavite, which paved the way for the birth of the Philippine Republic on January 23, 1899.
The bust will help advocate his legacy and the family truly appreciates the honor, said the hero’s great grandson and independent curator, Angelo Jarin Aguinaldo.
The occasion was also attended by school officials led by principal Dr. Zenaida U. Arao, Alumni Association President Edward Nel G. Beltran, and other descendants.
