CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija — From the pages of history books to a public space, the stories of heroes and Nueva Ecija’s significant role in the Philippine Revolution are being brought to life as the province commemorates the 130th anniversary of the Cry of Nueva Ecija.
The week-long celebration formally opened on Monday, August 31, at the 4th Level Roof Park of SM City Cabanatuan, bringing history closer to the public, particularly to the younger generation.
The event brought together historians, teachers, artists, heritage advocates, descendants of revolutionary heroes, and members of the community.
It was organized by the First Nueva Ecija NGOs-POs Partnership for Development, led by Ms. Irma Cecilio, in partnership with SM City Cabanatuan.
A major highlight of the celebration is a historical exhibit focusing on the Philippine Revolution of 1896. The exhibit, which runs from August 31 to September 2, aims to help the public, especially young people, learn more about the events and personalities connected to Nueva Ecija’s participation in the revolution.
Instead of keeping local history confined to classrooms and textbooks, the organizers brought the exhibit into a public space, giving students, families, and mallgoers an opportunity to discover the story of their province.
The celebration also combines history with art. An on-the-spot art contest will be held on September 2, where student participants will creatively interpret through their artworks the stories of Nueva Ecija’s heroes and their struggle for freedom.
This will be followed by an art exhibit from September 3 to 6, featuring artworks inspired by the history, culture, and heritage of Nueva Ecija.
The opening ceremony became even more meaningful with the presence of individuals who have direct family connections to the province’s revolutionary history.
Among those who attended were Director Alvin Alcid of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines; Benedict Valmonte Pablo, a descendant of General Pantaleon Valmonte; Rose Natividad Palou-Policarpio, a descendant of Atty. Mamerto Natividad Sr.; Lorelei O. Soriano, a descendant of General Mariano Llanera; and Francesca Deus, a descendant of General Manuel Tinio. All are connected to prominent figures in the history of the Philippine Revolution in Nueva Ecija.
Officials from the Department of Education Cabanatuan City Schools Division also took part in the celebration, emphasizing the important role of education in keeping history alive for future generations.
For Cecilio and the organizations involved in the celebration, the 130th anniversary of the Cry of Nueva Ecija is more than a commemoration of events that took place more than a century ago.
It is also an opportunity to reconnect the community with the stories of the people who helped shape the province’s identity.
The legacy of the revolution can be found not only in the names and dates written in history books. It continues to live on through families who preserve the stories of their ancestors, through narratives passed down from one generation to another, and through communities that continue to work toward preserving their history.
As Nueva Ecija commemorates 130 years since the Cry of Nueva Ecija, the celebration serves as an invitation for the public to pause, look back at the past, and once again recognize the courage and sacrifices of those who became part of the province’s story.
The historical exhibit and succeeding activities are open to the public at the 4th Level Roof Park of SM City Cabanatuan from August 31 to September 6.