MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared Mar. 22, 2019 as “Emilio Aguinaldo Day” to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the country’s first and youngest Philippine president and revolutionary hero.
Under Proclamation No. 621, which was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea by authority of the President, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) will be tasked to lead the implementation of the program of activities on Emilio Aguinaldo Day.
“The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) is hereby designated as the lead agency for the celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Emilio Aguinaldo,” the proclamation read.
“The NHCP may convene an inter-agency task force to plan, coordinate, and implement effectively all programs, projects, and activities relative to this milestone event,” it added.
Meanwhile, all departments, agencies, bureaus, offices, and national government agencies, local government units, and government-owned or controlled corporations, and educational institutions at all levels, are enjoined to give full support and assistance, consistent with their respective mandates, to the NHCP in the exercise of its responsibilities under this proclamation.
The necessary funding for various commemorative activities shall be sourced from the regular appropriations of the concerned agencies.
The proclamation was signed to recognize Aguinaldo, who “symbolized the desire of the nation to be self-reliant, independent, and free from oppression.”
It is also meant to “rekindle the Filipino spirit through the lessons of history and encourages every citizen to emulate and honor our forefathers.”
Aguinaldo, who died on Feb. 6, 1964, was also known as the hero of the Philippine struggle for independence for leading the revolution against Spain in 1896. (PNA)
