GUAGUA, Pampanga -- Officials and residents here Friday commemorated the life and heroism of Aurelio Tolentino during the celebration of his 105th birth anniversary held at Manuel P. Santiago Park, Plaza Burgos.
The event was graced by 2003 National Artist for Literature, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) chairman Virgilio S. Almario; former president, now Pampanga Second District Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) chairman Rene Escalante; NHCP executive director Ludovico Badoy; Dr. Becky Singson, granddaughter of Aurelio Tolentino; and some local officials.
The program started with the unveiling of the historical marker and wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of Tolentino.
In his welcome remarks, Mayor Dante Torres expressed hope that the event would serve as an inspiration to everyone, while Tolentino articulated his love for Guagua and the country through writing and other forms of arts.
Pampanga Board Member Rosve Henson, who represented Governor Lilia Pineda, requested the KWF to republish Tolentino’s works to be distributed to Kapampangan students.
Arroyo, on the other hand, cited Tolentino’s efforts as a writer and orator, and for being one of those who engaged in revolutionary activities and joined Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and other Katipuneros to plan the revolution against Spain.
Almario, for his part, said that the works of Tolentino were at par with those of other great heroes like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio and are being recognized by the NHCP.
Meanwhile, Tolentino's granddaughter Dr. Singson, thanked the local officials and townsfolk for commemorating her grandfather’s legacy.
Tolentino was born on Oct. 13, 1867 in Barangay Sto. Cristo here.
He was a known playwright, orator, and writer whose works became propaganda materials during the American occupation. He was also known to be a good friend of Andres Bonifacio and became an early member of the Katipunan.
Tolentino died on July 5, 1915 and was buried at the Manila North Cemetery. His remains were transferred to this town in 1921. (PNA)
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