CITY OF MALOLOS — September 8, 2026 — Despite the morning rain, the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium was filled with warmth, pride, and spirit as the Singkaban Festival 2026 officially opened. Delivering the message of Department of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Administration Aurelio Paulo Bartolome reminded every Bulakenyo that no storm can break the Filipino resolve.
Bulacan Vice Governor Alex Castro read the welcome address.
“There is one thing that history has taught us: a storm may shake a Filipino, but it cannot simply shake his spirit.”
— Asec. Aurelio Paulo Bartolome, representing DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara
Roots, Bravery, and Identity
Asec. Bartolome emphasized the vital role of history and culture in shaping the youth.
“Kapag natutunan ng bata ang tapang ng ating mga bayani, matututunan niyang maging matapang. Kapag nauunawaan niya ang mga sakripisyo ng nakaraan, matutunan niyang pahalagahan ang kalayaang tinatamasa niya ngayon. Kapag nakikilala niya ang sariling kultura, matututunan niyang sabihin ng buong pagmamalaki: ito ang aking pinagmulan, ito ang aking pagkakakilanlan, at ito ang pamana na aking ipagpapatuloy.”
Integrity as the Foundation of Unity
Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando anchored his message on this year’s theme: “Kultura ng Integridad, Pamana ng Pagkakaisa”, stressing the importance of integrity especially in an age of misinformation and social media backlash.
“Ang integridad ay katangian ng pagiging tapat at palaging paggawa ng mabuti kahit walang nakakakita. Ito ang ating dignidad. Ito ang ating dangal. Ang pagpili ng tama, pagiging mabuting tao at paninindigan sa katotohanan kahit na mahirap. Ito ang mga prinsipyong pinipili nating isabuhay at panindigan sa araw-araw.”
— Gov. Daniel R. Fernando
Bulacan’s Milestones Highlighted
Governor Fernando also celebrated the province’s recent achievements:
– Singkaban Festival — Winner, Most Outstanding Festival (Province/Freeport Zone Category) at the 2025 TRES Awards
– SINEliksik Bulacan Pamana Pass — Awardee, Most Outstanding Heritage and Cultural Program at the 2025 TRES Awards
– Bulacan Ranked 4th Safest Place to Visit in the Philippines — by the World Travel Index
Grand Parade and Opening of Exhibits
Undeterred by rain, the celebration moved outdoors for the much-awaited Parada ng Karosa and 3rd Marching Band Competition, which paraded from the Malolos Sports and Convention Center to the Bulacan Capitol Compound.
Governor Fernando also led the ribbon-cutting for:
– Singkaban Trade Fair 2026
– Singkaban ng Bayan — Bulacan Tourism and Travel Fair 2026
– Mga Kulay ng Pag-asa Art Exhibit
