There is a need to revisit the country’s historical roots to strengthen Philippine independence, says Sen. Loren Legarda in a speech during the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the Bacoor Assembly on Friday, August 1, 2025. — Photo by Jan Escosio
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda emphasized the urgent need to unite and revisit the nation’s historical roots to sustain and strengthen Philippine independence during the commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the Bacoor Assembly on Friday, August 1, 2025.
Speaking at the historic site, where 200 municipal presidents (now town mayors) signed the Declaration of Independence drafted by Apolinario Mabini on August 1, 1898, in Bacoor, Cavite, Legarda stressed the importance of honoring the country’s struggle for freedom not just as a matter of tradition, but as a source of strength for nation-building.
“Fellow countrymen, I pushed for this recognition not only because it is rightful in history, but also because it is a recognition and a rendering of justice to the complete narrative of our freedom,” Legarda said in Filipino.
The Bacoor Assembly ratified a version of the Philippine Declaration of Independence, which removed references to dependence on foreign powers. This was made following concerns from Emilio Aguinaldo and advice from Apolinario Mabini on the original June 12, 1898 proclamation, written and read by Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista, which was not signed by Aguinaldo. The ratified version provided a clearer position on Philippine self-determination and sovereignty, setting the stage for the convening of the Malolos Congress.
Legarda’s great-grandfather, Ariston Gella, served as representative of Antique in the Malolos Congress, paving the way to a legacy of public service in the family.
“Independence is not just the freedom to act, but the freedom to act for others. And the true strength of the Filipino lies in standing firm, not just for oneself, but for the nation,” Legarda said.
READ: Legarda designated chair of Senate Committee on Culture and the Arts
Now in her fourth term as senator, Legarda has championed numerous laws related to Philippine history and culture. Among them is the Republic Act No. 12073, which commemorates every August 1 as “Araw ng Paglalathala at Pagtatanyag ng Kasarinlan ng Pilipinas.”
She has been at the forefront of preserving and advancing Filipino cultural heritage, pushing for legislation such as the National Cultural Heritage Act and the Cultural Mapping Law, supporting community initiatives like the Schools of Living Traditions, and bringing Filipino culture to a wider audience through cultural shows like Dayaw.
“We will not achieve true independence if we do not know ourselves as a nation. And with every step that deepens our understanding of our culture and history, we strengthen our freedom,” she stressed.
“Our appreciation of the spirit of August 1 is a tribute to an important trait of being Filipino — the spirit of unity,” Legarda added. /das
