University News

PUP, NHCP, City of Manila commemorate 160th Birth Anniversary of Mabini

John Martin Hipolito, News, PUP Campus Journalists

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and the City Government of Manila held a flag raising and wreath-laying ceremony in commemoration of the 160th Birth Anniversary of Apolinario Mabini on July 23, 2024 at the Mabini Shrine located at the University Avenue.

The event was graced by PUP President Manuel M. Muhi, Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin “Yul Servo” Nieto, the Guest of Honor, alongside OIC-Deputy Executive Director for Administration Rosario V. Sapitan of the NHCP, Regional Programs Coordinator Delfina J. Baquir of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), Gran Maestre Donwell Valdez of the Gran Logia Nacional de Filipinas, as well as PUP officials, faculty, students, and other distinguished guests.

In his welcoming speech, Muhi expressed the profound significance of having the Mabini Shrine at Sintang Paaralan. He noted that the shrine serves as a special memento of Apolinario Mabini’s life and carries a deep message for PUPians.

“Para sa atin, ang Mabini Shrine ay laging may hatid na mensahe sa atin, lalung-lalo na sa ating mga Iskolar ng Bayan. Ito ay laging nagpapaalala na walang makakahadlang sa pagtupad sa mga adhikain at sa pag-ambag ng mabuti para sa bayan. Tulad ni Mabini, marami sa mga Iskolar ng Bayan ang patuloy na humaharap ng kahirapan. Ngunit kagaya rin ni Mabini, ang husay, talino, puso, at pagmamahal sa Bayan ang tanging sandata at pananggalang ng maraming PUPian upang mapagtagumpayan ang mapanghamong laro ng buhay,” he said.

(For us, the Mabini Shrine always carries a significant message, especially for the Iskolar ng Bayan. It serves as a constant reminder that nothing can hinder the pursuit of our goals and to the contribution of good to our country. However, like Mabini, many Iskolars ng Bayan continue to face hardships. However, similar to Mabini, skill, intelligence, heart, and love for the Nation are the primary weapons and shields for many PUPians to overcome the challenging game of life.)

Vice Mayor Nieto, meanwhile, emphasized in his speech the importance of keeping nationalism alive and nurturing love for the country, as exemplified by Mabini.

“Sa paggunita ng kanyang kapanganakan, nawa’y magsilbing paalala ito sa ating lahat na ang tunay na paglilingkod sa Bayan ay hindi nasusukat sa pisikal na lakas, kundi sa tapang ng puso at kaliwanagan ng isip. Bilang tagapagmana ng kaniyang iniwang legasiya, nawa’y patuloy tayong magkaisa at magsikap para sa ikabubuti ng ating bansa,” Vice Mayor Nieto said.

(As we commemorate his birth, may this serve as a reminder to all of us that true service to the nation is not measured by physical strength, but by the courage of the heart and the clarity of the mind. As heirs to his legacy, may we continue to unite and strive for the betterment of our country.)

Despite the inclement weather, the event concluded successfully, with special performances by the PUP Bagong Himig Serenata, PUP Maharlika Dance Artists, and PUP Harana String Co., making the celebration of Mabini’s birth even more special.