Heavy rain fall did not hinder, Department of Local and Interior Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas in gracing the occasion as guest of honor and speaker in the commemoration of the 116th Anniversary of Malolos Congress at the historic Barasoain Church Malolos City on September 15, 2013. Said event also served as culminating activity of the Singkaban Festival with the theme, “Arkong Kawayan Sagisag ng Sining at Kalinangan ng Bulacan”.

   “Ang pinakamagandang katangian ng isang Pilipino ay pagdadamay sa kapwa sa oras ng paghihirap at kalamidad. Ang pakikiisa, pagkakaisa at pagdamay sa kapwa ang sentro ng ating pagka pilipino at siguradong nasa puso nating lahat habang ipinagdiriwang ang Singkaban festival”, said the Honorable Secretary. Furthermore, he stated that this celebration help us remember and deepen the love of history, culture and artistry of Bulakenyos.

   In his special message, Sec. Mar admired the rapid development of the province as evident from its numerous recognitions such as being the top Local Government Unit with the Highest Gross Income based on the annual financial reports of the Commission on Audit. He also praised the steps taken by the provincial government towards disaster prevention and mitigation.

   The Secretary led the flag-raising and wreath-laying rites with Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Police Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta at the statue of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. Also present during the celebration were National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Executive Director Ludovico Badoy, Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando, Board Members Therese Cheryll Ople and Ramon Posadas, Congressman Gavini Pancho, DILG-3 Regional Director Florida Dijan, and OIC-Provincial Director Darwin David. Local functionaries, non-government organizations, senior citizens, students, teachers, and other sectors in Bulacan also participated in the celebration.

   Likewise, part of the program was the photo exhibit at Barasoain Museum which highlights the beauty and history of the said church. Roel Pagiligan of NHCP toured Sec. Mar Roxas on the different rooms which showcase the important events in the history of Bulacan. SILG also provided ample time for a press conference.

   A day of appreciation for the Brgy. Tanods for their invaluable contribution in keeping peace and order in the Province of Bulacan was held on September 10, 2014 at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium. A mass oath taking of the 569 Barangay Tanod Executive Officers was led by Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and the event’s guest speaker, Sen. Teofisto “TG” Guingona III.


   Hon. Mark Cholo Violago, President Liga ng mga Barangay- Bulacan Chapter, in his speech, recognized the dedication of the Barangay Tanods in performing their tasks. Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Fernando emphasized the responsibilities of the barangay tanods, as force multipliers in keeping peace and order. He also appreciated their attentiveness in times of chaos and disaster and urged them to continue their good work and be even more vigilant.


   On the other hand, Gov. Sy-Alvarado mentioned that the voluntary acceptance of the responsibility of being a Barangay Tanod is a noble act considering the consequences of assuming great responsibility. He also mentioned the point of care program of the PhilHealth that Brgy. Officials, workers, and volunteers and their families can avail.


   Sen. Teofisto D. Guigona III, in his speech, recognized the bravery and strength of the barangay tanods in conquering the challenges to protect the community without any reservation. He furthered the important contribution of the brgy tanods in attaining economic development: “Mahalaga ang tanod dahil nagkakaroon tayo ng tatlong bagay: mapayapang kapaligiran, damdamin at kaisipan. Kapag nandyan itong tatlong bagay susunod na ang kaunlaran.” Moreover, he stressed that the artistry and culture of the province are the real treasures that enrich the character of the Bulakenyos which has brought many of our national heroes. “Ang bayani ay isang Pilipino na ang pagmamahal sa bayan ay parang isang pag ibig na makapangyarihan, kaya handa siyang hamakin ang lahat para sa ating mamamayan.” he added.


   Before he ended his speech, he shared the good news with the three Senate bills: (1)Bill No. 712 to provide mandatory PhilHealth coverage to senior citizens nationwide, (2) Bill No. 2390 extending the term of barangay office to six years, and lastly, (3) Bill No. 12 providing retirement benefits to Brgy. Officials, including Barangay Tanods, and Barangay Health Workers.

   This event was attended by barangay tanods from all municipalities and cities in the Province of Bulacan, Liga ng mga Barangay headed by Hon. Mark Cholo Violago, the Board Members of the Province, PNP Bulacan headed by PSSupt. Ferdinand O. Divina and DILG headed by PD Darwin David.

   DILG Bulacan joined the Hakbang Para sa Kabataan 2014 together with the other government officials and employees, and high school and college students from the different schools in Malolos Bulacan. This walk for a cause which started from Barasoain Church and Santisima Trinidad Elementary School to Tanghalan ng Sining at Kultura, Capitol Compound was held on September 9, 2014. It was an activity jointly initiated by the Provincial Government of Bulacan, Bulacan Sports Council, and Pag-asa Youth Association. It aims to raise funds for the implementation of programs and projects for out of school youths and sports development in the province.


   Secretary Joel Villanueva of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) inspired the youths who participated in the activity to be productive and be participative in the different programs of the government. “Hindi lang kayo ang pag-asa ng bayan, kayo ang may-ari ng kinabukasan ng ating bayan. Kung kayo ang may-ari huwag na huwag kayong papayag na ang mamanahin nyong kinabukasan ay hindi para sa inyo at hindi sapat sa inyong pangangailangan.” he explained as he mentioned that these youth possess the blood of a hero.


   Also present in this activity were Regional and Provincial Directors of TESDA in Central Luzon, Public Employment Services Office Managers in Bulacan, representatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Education.

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