Members of the Philippine Navy are preparing to raise the flag at the Battle of Alapan Monument in Imus City on May 28, 2021. Photo by DENNIS ABRINA
Imus marks 125th anniversary of Battle of Alapan
IMUS CITY, Cavite – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), together with the City of Imus, will spearhead the flag-raising and wreath-laying rites for the commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Alapan at the Dambana ng Pambansang Watawat, Heritage Park, Miguel Santo, Alapan II B, Imus City, Cavite on May 28, 2023, at 8:00 a.m.
As part of the program, the flag-raising rites will be led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), followed by the pledge of allegiance by Imus City Admin. Hertito Monzon.
Senator Francis Tolentino will be the guest of honor and lead the wreath-laying rites. Other wreath offerings are NHCP Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Calairo, Cavite 3rd District Representative Adrian Jay Advincula, and Imus City Mayor Alex “AA” Advincula.
A prayer will then be offered by Rev. Fr. Benjamin Francisco, Parish Priest of St. Martha Parish, and the opening remarks will be given by Mayor Advincula. NHCP Chairman Calairo will deliver an inspirational message, and the introduction of the guest of honor will be done by Cong. Advincula.
Upon Emilio Aguinaldo’s return from Hongkong in May 1898, the “Battle of Alapan” was the first military engagement in the renewed revolution against Spain. Fighting erupted late in the morning and lasted until mid-afternoon.
The Filipinos emerged victorious when the Spaniards ran out of ammunition and surrendered. To celebrate the first victory of the Filipino forces, Aguinaldo unveiled the Philippine flag brought from Hongkong. He unfurled and hoisted it for the first time amid the applause and cheers of his men.
To commemorate this event, Presidential Proclamation No. 374 was issued on March 6, 1965, declaring May 28 as “National Flag Day.”
Since May 1994, by virtue of Executive Order (EO) No. 179, National Flag Days are now celebrated from 28 May 28 to June 12, culminating in the celebration of Independence Day.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), for their part, issued MC 2019-76, stating that all local government and DILG offices are enjoined to support the said celebration through flag displays and simultaneous flag-raising.
The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history through its museums, research, and publications and to preserve historical heritage through conservation and the marking of historic sites and structures.
