BULAKAN, Bulacan — Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. on Thursday called on the public to continue the legacy of Gat Marcelo H. del Pilar, who played a big role in the country’s quest for freedom and independence.
Roque, who graced the commemoration of the 168th birth anniversary of Del Pilar at the Shrine dedicated to him in Barangay San Nicolas here, said the illustrious Bulakenyo hero opened the consciousness of the Filipinos on the harsh reality of the monastic rule in the country and these realizations made them fight for their sovereignty.
“At present, it is our challenge to continue the legacy of the del Pilar,” he said.
He expressed belief that although Filipinos have differences in terms of standpoints, opinions, and principles, love for the country will bind them together.
“Although we have opinions that are contrary to the standpoint of others, these opinions are so important that we come to our unified goal of improving our country,“ he said.
Roque, together with Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado, honored the legacy of del Pilar, also known by his pen name Plaridel, in a simple yet meaningful celebration here.
They led the wreath-laying activity at the monument of del Pilar, along with National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Executive Director Ludovico Badoy, Vice Governor Daniel R. Fernando, Bulakan Mayor Patrick Neil Meneses and other local officials.
Likewise, Grandmaster of the Free and Accepted Mason of the Philippines Most Worshipful Romeo Momo, National Press Club president Rolly Gonzalo and del Pilar’s great-great grandson George Balagtas delivered their speeches to honor del Pilar, who was also the father of Philippine Masonry and Journalism.
Anchored on the theme “Gat Marcelo H. Del Pilar: Bayani Noon, Ngayon at sa Nagbabagong Panahon,” the celebration was made possible through the joint efforts of the provincial government of Bulacan, municipal government of Bulakan and the NHCP.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jonathan Sy-Alvarado of 1st District of Bulacan said that also on this day, three senators — Richard Gordon, Nancy Binay and Sherwin Gatchalian — vowed to present the approved House bill declaring August 30 of every year as “National Press Freedom Day” to the Senate Committee in honor of del Pilar.
The bill authored by Alvarado recognizes the vital role of the press in nation-building and aims to raise public awareness about press freedom.
Likewise, it seeks to encourage members of the media to report matters of public interest regardless of the entities or persons that may be offended in the process.
Del Pilar was a key figure during the struggle against Spanish occupation, and one of the leaders of the Philippine Propaganda Movement.
He was also editor-in-chief of La Solidaridad, the newspaper of Filipino propagandists who pushed for the Philippines to become a province of Spain and afford the citizens the same rights with those in the mainland.
“Dedicating August 30, Del Pilar’s date of birth, to national press freedom shows the world that the country recognizes and respects freedom of the press, as enshrined in Section 4, Article III (Bill of Rights) of the Philippine Constitution. This includes the right to speak and write, and the right to be protected from threats, intimidation, and violence,” Alvarado said. (Manny Balbin/PNA)
