MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, Philippines — Local and foreign tourists say that a trip to Bulacan will be incomplete without visiting this historical city.

They say it’s simply because no other place in the country can be linked to the great events, heroes, and patriots in Philippine history more than this capital city of Bulacan.

Philippine flags now fly over many parts of the province’s preparations for the celebration of the 113th anniversary of the First Philippine Republic on January 23 goes full swing.

As usual, the center of the festivities will be the historic landmark Barasoain Church, here, said Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy Alvarado.

The governor had requested all municipal and city mayors in Bulacan to display Philippine flags in major thoroughfares in their areas to remind people that “the province of Bulacan is the home of patriots who shed blood, sweat, tears and wisdom for freedom and sovereignty.”

“Kung ang Baguio ay tanyag sa kanilang bulaklak at ang Pampanga naman ay sa kanilang makukulay na parol, nais nating itanghal ang dakilang lalawigan ng Bulakan bilang bayan ng mga bayani at sa makulay at mahalaga nitong bahaging kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, “ Alvarado said.