Donna Mae Alaga 
Today marks the 125th commemoration of the First Republic of the Philippines inaugurated in Malolos, Bulacan. Brought by the sentiments of political adversities back then, the creation of such attributes did help shape the political landscape we have in the present epoch.
By virtue of Proclamation No. 533 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino III, January 23 is annually regarded as “Araw ng Republikang Filipino, 1899.” It did not only help in the unearthing of our constitution, which lies at the heart of our nation, but had continuously pillared the very being of our state namely legislative, judiciary, and executive branches, and it also established our sovereignty.
May this day remind us to educate ourselves of our local history and instill in us the assertiveness in gaining provenance of the stories weaved by our ardent revolutionaries, despite their means of doing such is parsed with indifference even by fellow Filipinos. The constitution and sense of territory we enjoy today is an epitome of their enduring expression of patriotism.
