Bulacan in its 430th year: Gov. Mendoza bared plan to engrave Bulacan in Guinness Book

“Sulong Pa, Bagong Bulakenyo!”

This was the battlecry of every Bulakenyo as Bulacan Day was celebrated in its 430th year last August 18, 2008 at the provincial capitol, Malolos City. That red-letter day was topped off by a program concelebrated by a mass spearheaded by Bishop Jose Francisco Oliveros D.D. of the Diocese of Malolos started the program, to anticipate the occasion of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which fell on the same date. In his homily, Bishop Oliveros asked the Provincial Government to do their job for the welfare of Bulacan, and stressed taking consideration the value of life in taking sides of the Reproductive Health Bill, which is still in vis-a-vis argument between the church and the government, in a desperate attempt to control population. After that, the raising of the Philippine Flag together with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem that was led by the Himig ng Bulacan Choir succeeded by the offering of wreath of flowers by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Cities and Municipalities Officials in front of the statue of Gregorio Del Pilar, signaled the start of the celebration.

Sipag, Husay at Talino: Tatak ng Bagong Bulakenyo was the theme of the celebration. An interpretative dance by the 2004 Gawad CCP Awardee, Barasaoain Kalinangan Foundation brought the audience to a ride down memory lane depicting 430 years of journeying to Bulacan being a Province on August 15, 1578. After that Words of Welcome, Salutation to unwavering success of Bulacan throughout the centuries and recognition to the Government Officials present during the celebration were given by Board Member Ernesto Sulit, as a prologue to Governor Mendoza's speech.

Some of the Provincial, Municipal and City officials that participated in the event were Governor Jonjon Mendoza, Board Members Ernesto Sulit, Ferdie Estrella, Michael Fermin and Monet Posadas, House of Representatives Majority Floor Leader Glenn Santos and Minority Floor Leader Ariel Arceo, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Centi Cruz and Pat Laderas, Bulacan 4th District Representative Jonjon Delos Santos, PNP Bulacan Chief Allen Bartolo, League of Municipalities of Bulacan Mayor Domeng Marcos, Mr. Arthur Robles from the Lone District of San Jose Del Monte, Plaridel Mayor Tessie Vistan, Baliwag Mayor Romy Estrella, Hagonoy Mayor Angel Cruz and many others.

The speech delivered by the Governor followed. He recalled the blood-letting efforts of our ancestors and asked modern-day Bulakenyos to continue what they have started. "Ang Bulacan ay mga mamamayan na pwedeng magyabang!" he exclaimed.

Furthermore, he stated his appreciation to the people, for giving him a chance to serve the province. "Di ko inakalang ang simpleng Jonjon na dati'y kapitan lamang ng barangay ay magiging ama ng Bulacan," he recalled. He also stated the setbacks he encountered during the first years of his administration, citing the fact that Bulacan is the richest Province of the Philippines. "Akala ko ay pwede ang lahat. Kailangan ay pantay-pantay ang mayayaman at mga mahihirap. Kahit tayo ang pinakamayamang probinsya sa buong bansa ay kulang pa rin. May mga taong pag kinausap mo ay mga maayos kausap, ngunit pag nakatalikod ka na ay tsaka ka titirahin. Hindi man ako ang pinakamagaling na Gobernador kasunod ng mga nakaraan na sila Gobernador Pagdanganan at Josie Dela Cruz na aking kapatid, ang maipagmamayabang ko lang ay ako ang Gobernador na nagbibigay ng tunay na serbisyo - serbisyong nararamdaman ng mga Bulakenyo.

He stressed that Bulakenyos must unite for a better Bulacan - Bulakenyos who are not for selfish ambitions. "May oras sa pagbibiro, May oras sa pagseseryoso," He added.

Those words brought everyone in the occasion in a halt as it impacted their minds not until he bared the plan to engrave Bulacan in the Guinness Book of World Records by making the longest pastillas in the world that is estimated to be 200 meters in length, that astonished the Bulakenyos and ended Governor Mendoza's speech. The unveiling of the tarpaulin signaled all systems go for the longest pastillas, with it, the 28 -day countdown duration which will end on September 12th by the Provincial Government ended the program.

--Staff Writer: Jose Mari R. Cipriano--