Pinaglabanan Day marked, Tingog Center launched

MANILA, Philippines — The Battle of Pinaglabanan was remembered on Friday at the Pinaglabanan Shrine in San Juan.

San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora led the ceremonies, which started with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by the ceremonial Lighting of the Eternal Flame, a wreath-laying at the Spirit of Pinaglabanan and a 21-gun salute in honor of Gat Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and the Katipuneros who fought valiantly at the Battle of Pinaglabanan 128 years ago.

Zamora was joined by Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre, San Juan City Rep. Bel Zamora, Vice Mayor Angelo Agcaoili, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman Regalado Trota Jose Jr., the San Juan City Council and city and barangay officials.

Zamora related that underground can be found El Deposito, which Bonifacio attempted to take over on Aug. 30, 1896, believing that if they controlled the water supply of Manila, they could defeat the Spaniards. Although he did not succeed, it signalled the start of the fight that led to our freedom.

“That’s why we always say, ‘Walang kalayaan kung walang Pinaglabanan (No freedom without Pinaglabanan)’. We have to let people know, we have to let our children know, how valuable is our freedom,” Zamora said as he explained the importance of Pinaglabanan Day to San Juan and the rest of the Philippines.

For his part, Acidre said, “This day reminds us of the immense price that we paid for the freedom we cherish today.Today, as we stand on these hallowed grounds, we must ask ourselves, what battles are we fighting now? What are the modern-day Pinaglabanan that we must confront? Our battles are against poverty, corruption and social inequity. Freedom is not just given, it is fought for and nurtured. ”

The blessing of the Tingog Center at the San Juan Mini Park was held after the main program. The Tingog Center will provide additional assistance to San Juaneños who may need it. San Juaneño families affected by Typhoon Carina will also receive financial assistance with the help of Tingog Party-list.