TRECE MARTIRES CITY – In a bid to promote Cavite as a place with a rich historical tradition, the provincial board, in a resolution passed on March 28, 2005, has declared the period from May 28 to June 12 of each year as "Kalayaan Festival" in the province.
The resolution also designated the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine and Freedom Park in Kawit as the official site of the annual Kalayaan festival celebration.
General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the country’s independence on June 12, 1898 at the balcony of his mansion in Kawit before his cheering revolutionary forces.
The Philippine flag was also displayed for the first time on May 28 of the same year during the Battle of Alapan in Imus where the revolutionaries scored a resounding victory against the Spaniards through the effective leadership and bravery of Aguinaldo.
May 28 was declared as Flag Day by former President Fidel V. Ramos through a presidential proclamation.
During the two-week festival period, the cities and municipalities of Cavite will hold their respective "Kalayaan Festival" in order to promote tourism with their own separate celebration of historical events.
The provincial government will also endeavor to coordinate with national government agencies such as the Department of Tourism, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other offices engaged in tourism development in the efforts to make Cavite as the first destination of foreign tourists after disembarking from airliners at NAIA.
Board Member Cesario R. Del Rosario Jr. sponsored the resolution together with Board Member Recto M. Cantimbuhan as co-sponsor.
The Cavite provincial board is also taking initiatives to declare Cavite as the historical capital of the Philippines, citing it as the cradle of Philippine revolution.
Cavite Gov. Ayong S. Maliksi cited the provincial board for its efforts to promote the province as a tourism destination with the annual observance of key historical events.
"With this resolution unanimously approved by the sangguniang panlalawigan members, we are announcing to the whole world that we are very serious in our intention of making Cavite the premier province of the Philippines not only because of its tremendous socio economic development but also because of its tourism and historical legacy," Maliksi said.
