BULAKAN, Bulacan – Governor Daniel Fernando on Tuesday urged Bulaquenos to remember the sacrifices of the country’s heroes such as Marcelo H. Del Pilar, the “Father of Philippine Journalism” as he spewed tirades against corruption.
“We must act (together),” Fernando told a crowd of more than 1,000 spectators who attended the 172nd birth anniversary of Del Pilar, who served as editor of the newspaper “La Solidaridad” which was published in Spain while the Philippines is under colonial rule.
But Fernando took jabs against corruption in the government zeroing on the illegal activities in quarrying operations where unconscionable public servants were inadvertently making money.
Fernando said the Bulacan provincial government had already banned the entry of overloaded trucks in the area to protect vital infrastructure.
Earlier, Fernando and Vice Governor Alexis Castro have laid a wreath at the Marcelo H. Del Pilar Shrine in Sitio Cupang, Barangay San Nicolas, Bulacan.
On August 16, Fernando has issued Executive Order No. 258 declaring a non-working holiday in the entire province implementing Republic Act 7449, An Act Declaring every Aug. 30 Marcelo H. Del Pilar Day as a Non-Working Holiday for Bulacan.
In Del Pilar’s birth anniversary in 1985, the National Press Club and the Bulacan Press Club have joined national and provincial government officials in bringing home the remains of the great propagandist also known as the “Father of Philippine Journalism” to his birth place in Sitio Cupang.
Today, August 30, Bulacan province will mark the “Del Pilar Day” as the country for the first time will observe the National Press Freedom Day after former President Rodrigo Duterte signed April last year RA 116991 declaring the annual Marcelo Del Pilar Day as National Press Freedom Day.
Former Bulacan First District Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado authored the law in Congress after NPC and BPC including Metro Manila and Bulacan historians wrote to Alvarado including to Senator Joel Villanueva to pass the bill declaring the birth of the “Father of Philippine Journalism” as National Press Freedom Day.
Del Pilar used “Cupang,” and “Plaridel” as pseudonyms during the Philippine-Spanish revolution. He had also written numerous articles about the tyrants under Spanish regime particularly against the Spanish friars, “La Fraillocracia.”
Del Pilar was born in Sitio Cupang, Barangay San Nicolas on Aug. 30, 1850 and died of hunger and tuberculosis in Barcelona, Spain on July 4, 1896 while he was on self-exile running the La Solidaridad to continue to enlighten the Filipinos against Spain’s oppression.
CLMA members later planted “Cupang trees” at the Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar Integrated School during the historical first ever celebration of the National Press Freedom Day on Del Pilar’s birth anniversary.
Cupang trees abound in the town during the time of Del Pilar, but for decades now, they were no longer seen around. In a tribute and honor to Del Pilar, CLMA President Carmela Estrope-Reyes wants the trees to be grown again particularly for the children and the folks to see and enjoy.
Cupang trees with scientific name Parkia Timoriana and is also known as P. Javanica is now one of the countries indIgenous trees. Cupang tree is one of the best Philippine plants use for reforestation because it strongly hold water, prevent soil erosion and give huge shades. It is fast growing and is sun loving and both sun and shade tolerant.
Estrope’s, late father, Rodrigo M. Reyes of People’s Journal and former President of Bulacan Press Club and one of the strong leaders of CLMA during his time, started the tradition of celebrating Del Pilar’s birth as somewhat a journalist’s feast where they gathered at his place in Paliwas St., Barangay Cupang-Maysantol for a simple celebration. They held forums and open free discussions about the hottest issues, politics, etc.