The Provincial Government celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Gregorio E. H. Del Pilar at Bulakan, Bulacan, on 14 November 2025.

The commemoration highlighted the importance of local Philippine languages in fostering a progressive future for younger generations.

Del Pilar advocated Mother Tongue–Based Multilingual Education, emphasizing that using the Filipino language in early childhood and elementary education provides a stronger knowledge foundation than introducing English immediately in subjects such as science and mathematics.

According to Del Pilar’s descendant, “Kung magpapatuloy tayo sa ginagawa natin ngayon na agad-agad ay Ingles ang gamit lalo na sa agham at matematika, patuloy nating pagkakaitan ang malaking porsiyento ng ating mga bata ng matatag na pundasyon para sa kaalamang kailangan nila para sa isang masagana at makabuluhang buhay.”

(“If we continue with the current practice of immediately using English, especially in science and mathematics, we will continue depriving a large percentage of our children of a strong foundation of knowledge they need for a prosperous and meaningful life.”)

He added that this also limits the country’s development of responsible and informed citizens capable of meaningful discourse on accountability.

“Pinagkakaitan din natin ang lipunan ng mga responsable at matatalinong mamamayan na makauunawa at makakapagdiskurso tungkol sa pananagutan nating lahat sa kalikasan at ng pananagutan ng mga inihahalal natin sa pamahalaan. Kaisa po kami, mga kaanak ng bayaning inaala-ala natin, sa pagsulong ng katarungan sa lipunan na pinagbuwisan ng buhay ni Heneral Goyo,” he said.

(“We are also depriving society of responsible and intelligent citizens who can understand and discuss our collective accountability to the environment and the responsibility of the leaders we elect. We, the descendants of the hero we honor, stand with the promotion of justice in society for which General Goyo gave his life.”)

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Executive Director Carminda R. Arevalo emphasized Del Pilar’s heroic sacrifice, noting that modern leaders can honor his legacy by prioritizing the welfare of the public.

“Ang sakripisyo ni Goyo ay paala-ala na ang tunay na pag-ibig sa bayan ay may kaakibat na pagpapakasakit. Sa kasalukuyang panahon, hindi na natin kailangang magbuwis ng buhay sa digmaan, ngunit kailangan pa rin nating magsakripisyo—sa ating pagtatrabaho nang tapat, sa paglaban sa katiwalian, sa pagtulong sa kapuwa, at sa pag-una sa interes ng bayan bago sa pansariling kapakanan,” she said.

(“The sacrifice of Goyo serves as a reminder that true love for the country comes with self-sacrifice. In the present time, we no longer need to give our lives in war, but we still need to make sacrifices—through honest work, fighting corruption, helping others, and putting the country’s interest before personal gain.”)

Bulakan Mayor Vergel C. Meneses expressed hope that Del Pilar’s courage will inspire both Bulakenyos and Filipinos nationwide to follow the young hero’s example of selfless service.

May Arlene DG. Torres, OIC Department Head of the Provincial History, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office, represented the Provincial Government of Bulacan in the wreath-laying ceremony at the Bantayog ni Gregorio Del Pilar.

The event was organized by the NHCP in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Bulacan, the Municipal Government of Bulakan, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. A separate commemoration was held at Del Pilar’s monument at the Philippine Military Academy in Fort Gregorio Del Pilar, Baguio City.