COVID-19 effect: Bulacan celebrating Independence Day at Barasoain Church with only 5 execs present

CITY OF MALOLOS—The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way the country is celebrating its 122nd Independence Day, prompting the province of Bulacan to commemorate the major event at the historic Barasoain Church here on Friday (June 12) with only five officials attending.

Gov. Daniel Fernando said he and Vice Gov. Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado together with City of Malolos Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian, a representative from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will lead the country’s freedom rites in the province.

Fernando said the occasion will be commemorated with a wreath laying ceremony on the monument of the late Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.

The governor said the provincial government had canceled the usual stage program, speeches and playing of the brass band since mass gatherings are still prohibited because of health protocol to prevent coronavirus transmission.

In the past years, hundreds of Bulakenyos, including World War II surviving veterans and their relatives, gather in front of the church to honor the country’s heroes who fought to achieve the country’s freedom from Spanish colonizers.

TSB