Imus City Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi (4th from left), wife Councilor-elect Jelyn Maliksi (4th from right) (from left to right) Councilors Vince Amposta, Imus SK Federation President Joshua Guinto, Vice Mayor and Imus Board member-elect Ony Cantimbuhan, Hertito Monzon, Emilio Aguinaldo V. and Raymond Arguelles wave flags at the Imus Heritage Park in Barangay Alapan, Imus City on May 28, 2022 as a prelude to the 124th celebration of Philippine Independence Day on June 12, 2022.
Photo by DENNIS ABRINA
Imus, NHCP mark National Flag Day, 124th year of Battle of Alapan
IMUS CITY, Cavite — The city government of Imus with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) commemorated National Flag Day and the 124th anniversary of the Battle of Alapan in historic Barangay Alapan here on May 28, 2022.
Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi, Councilor Hertito Monzon, representing Cong. Alex Advincula and other city dads attended the event with representatives from the NHCP, Provincial Tourism Office and City Government department and unit heads and employees.
Imus City as the country’s “Flag Capital” is hosting the annual Wagayway Festival, a flag-themed monthlong celebration of the city’s cultural and historical identity.
Maliksi called on the national government to grant the historic Battle of Alapan a deeper national recognition, suggested in the form of a holiday, at the 124th anniversary of the event and the country’s National Flag Day on Saturday at the Imus City Heritage Park.
He cited the historical merits of the Battle of Alapan, where historical accounts are unanimous that the national flag as a symbol of sovereignty was unveiled for the first time after Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and Filipino troops’ victory against Spanish forces less than three weeks before the Philippine Declaration of Independence.
If granted, Mayor Maliksi said this recognition could be one of the highest forms of respect to the national flag, where Filipinos can learn more about its deep history and origin. While the country continues the yearly celebration of National Flag Day on the anniversary of the Battle of Alapan, Mayor Maliksi urged that the historical skirmish in Imus also receive national importance.
“Naniniwala ako na sa pagkilala sa araw at lugar kung saan ito iwinagayway sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, ay mas naipapakita natin ang pagmamahal at paggalang sa ating pambansang watawat,” said Mayor Maliksi.
“History is waving: Battle of Alapan deserves deeper national recognition, own holiday,” he added.
Imus City is also home to the annual Wagayway Festival, a flag-themed monthlong celebration of the city’s cultural and historical identity. By DENNIS ABRINA
