CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex T. Gatchalian underscored the importance of a whole-of-nation approach and unity in serving Filipinos, drawing lessons from the spirit of the Malolos Congress during the commemoration of the 128th Anniversary of the Opening of the Malolos Congress held at the historic grounds of Barasoain Church in this city on September 15.
Gatchalian said that just as the Malolos Congress united leaders for nation-building, government agencies, local government units, and the private sector must work together to deliver responsive and inclusive programs that address the needs of every Filipino.
He emphasized that the principles embodied by the Malolos Congress remain relevant in addressing the challenges faced by Filipino communities today.
“Mahalaga ang whole-of-nation approach. Walang pag-unlad na makakamit ng mag-isa, kailangan natin ang bawat isa. Magkaiba man ang ating pinanggagalingan, iisa ang ating bayan. At sa kabila ng ating pagkakaiba, kaya nating magkaisa para sa isang Pilipinas na makatao, mas makatarungan at walang napapabayaan,” Gatchalian said, citing national government, local government units, communities, civil society, and other sectors should work together to ensure that every intervention is holistic, coordinated, and genuinely responsive to the needs of the people.
Sec. Gatchalian, together with Governor Daniel R. Fernando and OIC-Provincial Director PCOL Jay B. Baybayan led the wreath-laying ceremony and witnessed by other local officials including Vice Gov. Alexis Castro, 5th District Representative Cong. Agatha Paula Cruz, City of Malolos Mayor Christian D. Natividad and Vice Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian.
Meanwhile, Governor Fernando underscored that unity does not mean having identical opinions, but rather having differences while allowing cooperation and understanding to prevail for the good of the country.
“Dahil ang pagkakaisa ay hindi nangangahulugang pare-pareho tayo ng opinyon. Ang tunay na pagkakaisa ay ang pagkakaroon natin ng pagkakaiba, ngunit mananaig pa rin ang pagtutulungan at pagkakaunawaan para sa ating bansa,” Fernando said.
He noted that leadership carries the responsibility to lead, listen, act, and remain accountable to the people, emphasizing that public trust must be earned through services that Filipinos can genuinely feel and experience.
“Ang tiwala ng tao ay hindi hinihingi. Ito ay pinatutunayan sa serbisyong tunay na nararamdaman,” he said, stressing that government alone cannot provide all the solutions, calling for citizens to actively participate and take part in nation-building.
The Malolos Congress, inaugurated on September 15, 1898, was the first congress of the First Philippine Republic and played a vital role in shaping the country’s democratic institutions and Constitution. It served as the culminating activity of the Singkaban Festival 2026 celebration.
