NHCP unveils new Aguinaldo monument at Barasoain Church patio
By Shane F. Velasco
MALOLOS CITY (PIA) – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has unveiled a newly cast bronze monument of President Emilio Aguinaldo at the patio of Barasoain Church.
This replaces the previous stone monument installed during the earlier rehabilitation of the church and its grounds, in time for the centennial celebration of Philippine independence in 1998.
Museo ng Republika Filipina 1899 senior curator Ruel Paguiligan explained that the old monument was replaced due to signs of structural stress.
The new version was molded from the original by Caedo Sculptural Works.
The previous monument is now displayed on the first floor of Museo ng Republika Filipina 1899 as a featured exhibit.
It is placed beside the horse-drawn carriage used by then President-elect Joseph Ejercito Estrada and outgoing President Fidel Ramos during the June 30, 1998 inaugural parade along Paseo del Congreso in Malolos.
Aguinaldo’s new monument faces Barasoain Church, symbolizing the nation’s pursuit of sovereignty.
He was inaugurated inside the church on January 23, 1899—the same day the Philippines formally became a republic in a ceremony held at the site.
NHCP records credit Aguinaldo with the structural establishment of the First Philippine Republic, introducing the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary branches.
Under the First Republic, Malolos became the Philippine capital, with the Executive branch based in Malolos Cathedral, the Legislative in Barasoain Church, and the Judiciary in its convent. #
