So proud of being Filipino, as we celebrate our 127th Independence Day this June 12, 2025. The struggle of our forefathers in the fight for freedom that spans in the epoch of our Nation’s History, from Lapu-Lapu, to the many uprisings and revolts, to the Katipunan, then our Revolutionists, the Army of the Republic, and the Filipino soldiers of WWII, indeed molded us as freedom fighters that shed blood, sweat and tears.
BAMBAN IN THE CROSSROAD OF HISTORY
Our dear town of Bamban had her role in that struggle for Independence. General Emilio Aguinaldo established his General Headquarters and capital in our town when he arrived on June 5, 1899 and issued his communique and declaration on June 6. Our very own Bambanenses became members of the local Katipunan (Kataastaasang Kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan) under the leadership of Pablo Rivera during the Philippine Revolution and carried the fight for freedom during Philippine-American War 1899. General Francisco Macabulos established his brigade headquarters in this town in May 1899 in command of the provinces of Tarlac and Pangasinan. The headquarters of the Philippine Army was also established in Bamban around August 1899 while the battle line was established at Abacan River after the fall of Angeles (Pampanga).
THE BAMBAN CORPORATE SEAL
This historical significance that Bamban had played in our struggle for Independence led me to incorporate the symbolism with the emblem of General Aguinaldo, into the official Bamban Corporate Seal which I was tasked by the Sangguniang Bayan – Bamban and submitted to said Municipal Council in May 2005. In preparing the Seal, I conducted comprehensive study on the symbolisms of Bamban that represents history, culture, geography and political landscape. I consulted Joel Mallari, a fellow Bambanense on the symbolism of the Kapampangan which I also embodied. Jeffrey Sarmiento, whose father is also a Bambanense and a friend, contributed in making the final illustration and design.
APPROVAL AND REGISTRATION
On the lower right portion of the Bamban Corporate Seal, can be found General Aguinaldo’s emblem. After minor modification, then National Historical Institute (now NHCP) finally approved the Seal in September 2005 and registered with the Department of Interior and Local Government in 2006.
A REMINDER FOR OUR NATION’s STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM
Hence, as we celebrate and commemorate our Independence Day today, let us be reminded of our people’s struggles in attaining such freedom. Our Bamban Corporate Seal, which I did conceptualized and made, approved by then NHI and registered by the DILG, reflects our Independence with the General Aguinaldo’s emblem.
Photos:
(1) The Bamban Corporate Seal, based on my final submitted design and layout, as approved by Chairman Ambeth Ocampo of the NHI. Photo courtesy of Sangguniang Bayan – Bamban.
(2) The Seal, showing General Aguinaldo’s emblem, along with other symbolisms.
(3) Portrait of General Emilio Aguinaldo.
(4) Certificate of Registration by the Department of Interior and Local Government – DILG. Courtesy of Sangguniang Bayan – Bamban.
(5) The old Corporate Seal. Courtesy of Sangguniang Bayan – Bamban.
