Tanauan, Batangas – The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), together with the City of Tanauan, will spearhead the flag-raising and wreath-laying rites for the 120th death anniversary of Apolinario Mabini at the Museo ni Apolinario Mabini, Tanauan, Batangas on 13 May 2023.

The program will start with a mass at 8:00 a.m. to be officiated by Rev. Fr. Russell B. Matuloy, Parish Priest of the St. Augustine Parish.

Flag-raising rites will follow, to be led by the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the pledge of allegiance by Mr. Sam Torres-Aquino Bengzon from the Committee of Tourism and History.

Batangas 3rd District Representative Ma. Theresa V. Collantes will lead the wreath-laying rites. Other wreath offerors are NHCP Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo; Batangas Governor Hermilando I. Mandanas; Tanauan City Mayor Nelson P. Collantes; Tanauan City Vice Mayor Atty. Herminigildo G. Trinidad, Jr.; Batangas Schools District Superintendent Dr. Lourdes T. Bermudes, CESO V; Brgy. Talaga Chairman Rico Mabini Talagsad; and a representative from the descendants of Apolinario Mabini.

The short program will be highlighted with the welcome remarks of Tanauan City Mayor Collantes and messages from NHCP Chairman Calairo and Representative Collantes.

In Museo ni Apolinario Mabini – PUP, an online lecture titled ‘Mabini’s Memoir: The Story of Exile’ will be held on 11 May 2023 at 2 p.m. Polytechnic University of the Philippines College of Social Sciences and Development Dean, Dr. Raul Roland Sebastian, DPA, FRIPA will be the resource speaker. The webinar event will be livestreamed on both the Facebook pages of Museo ni Apolinario Mabini – PUP and Museo ni Apolinario Mabini – Tanauan.

Apolinario Mabini was born on 23 July 1864 to parents Inocencio Mabini and Dionisia Maranan. He was a member of the La Liga Filipina, an organization founded by Jose Rizal, and became the organization’s secretary. His works, El Verdadero Decalogo and Programa Constitucional dela Republica Filipina became instrumental in the drafting of what would be known as the Malolos Constitution.

The NHCP is the national government agency mandated to promote Philippine history through its museums, research, and publications, and to preserve historical heritage through conservation and the marking of historic sites and structures.