By Gladys Pino/PNA
KAWIT, Cavite — Acting Executive Director Ludovico D. Badoy of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) led national, provincial and local officials in commemorating the 55th death anniversary of the country’s first president, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, at his former abode-turned-shrine in Kaingen village along Tirona Highway here Wednesday.
The NHCP-managed shrine, acclaimed as a “House of History”, served as “centerstage” for the ceremonies which began with the celebration of a Mass and went on with flag raising and wreath-laying rites. A Philippine Navy (PN) contingent led by Capt. Edwin M. Nera offered military honors.
Aguinaldo’s descendants were present in the event, along with provincial political leaders.
Born in Kawit, Cavite on March 22, 1869; Gen. Aguinaldo was the seventh of eight children of Don Carlos Aguinaldo and Doňa Trinidad Famy who were in the salt trading business.
His name may be synonymous to a plethora of things arising from his courageous and bold exploits, as well as various accusations against him. Aguinaldo became president at the young age of 29.
NHCP Cavite Cluster Head and Museo ni Emilio Aguinaldo curator Haidee Paulette M. Bedruz told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that although Aguinaldo wished to live up to 100 years old, he fell short by six years, when at age 94, he succumbed to coronary thrombosis at the Veterans Memorial Hospital, which he established.
The state funeral of Aguinaldo, held on Feb. 16, 1964, was attended by political heavyweights of that era, led by former president Diosdado Macapagal, vice president Emmanuel Pelaez, Senate president Ferdinand Marcos, as well as notable war veterans and military officials.
The late revolutionary president’s remains were interred in a tomb built on the grounds of his Kawit residence.
The establishment of the Asociacion de los Veteranos de la Revolucion is one of the great legacies of Aguinaldo, along with the founding of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, in recognition of revolutionary war veterans’ valuable services and sacrifices in the quest for independence.
The death commemoration of Aguinaldo serves as a prelude to his sesquicentennial birth commemoration on March 22, which has been declared a national holiday.
