Philippines will celebrate First Philippine Republic Day every January 23 after President Rodrigo Duterte has signed it into law a bill.
Republic Act 11014, signed April 5, states that the country will observe a special working holiday in celebration of the declaration of the first Philippine Republic on January 23, 1899 at the Barasoain Church in Malolos City, Bulacan.
Other provisions of the law include duties for the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, in coordination with the Department of Education, to implement activities and “ensure that the significance of this historical event will continue to inspire and instill a sense of pride for the rich and noble history of the Filipino nation.”
The First Philippine Republic, also known as Malolos Republic, was established during the reign of former president Emilio Aguinaldo. However, it ended when Aguinaldo was captured by American troops on March 23, 1901.
