IMUS CITY, Cavite (PIA) — A former lawmaker wants the Battle of Imus taught in schools, calling the historic event a crucial but often overlooked chapter in Philippine history.
In his message during the 130th anniversary of the Battle of Imus last September 3, former senator and Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairperson Richard Gordon emphasized that today’s generation should learn more about the battle’s history, which was a decisive victory against the Spanish forces.
“Hindi lang ito isang labanan na natutuwa tayo. Dapat malaman at maituro sa eskwela ito sapagkat itong labanang ito ang nagbigay-daan para sa ating kalayaan. It is important for us to remember na ang labanan na ito ay laban ng mga Pilipino sa ating bansa, labanan na kahit salat sa gamit at sa armas ay nabuo at lumago.”
Gordon emphasized that the revolutionaries did not have the weaponry that matched that of their enemies, the Battle of Imus teaches a valuable lesson on perseverance and courage—values that remain relevant amid the issues the country faces today.
“If we forget the sacrifices of our leaders ay walang mangyayari sa Pilipinas. That is why dapat maituro ito because this is the very first victory of our very poor Filipinos as they fought for a country that did not exist at that time.”
For Mayor Alex Advincula, the Battle of Imus remains deeply relevant today, serving as a reminder of the unity and patriotism needed to face the country’s current challenges.
“Ipagpatuloy natin ang malasakit at pagkakaisa. Ito po ‘yung nawawala ngayon, nawawala na po ang malasakit sa ating bayan. Alam naman po nating dugo at pawis ang puhunan ng ating mga ninuno kaya natin nakamtamn ang ganitong kalayaan.”
Advincula added, “Mayroon pong mga problema ang ating lungsod, pero hindi kaya nang nag-iisa ito, kailangan po nito ng tulong-tulong muli natin.”
The mayor also noted that while the city faces its own challenges—such as flooding—it remains committed to transparency and accountability to help resolve broader issues affecting Philippine governance.
“Ipinapakita natin dito sa Imus ‘yung transparency, [nilalabanan natin] ‘yung kurapsyon na inalis natin. Pero hindi natin kayang biglain at inuunti-unti natin, lahat naman ng mga kababayan natin ay sumuporta. Nakikita natin na ang may pagkakaisa.”
Led by General Emilio Aguinaldo and Jose Tagle, the Battle of Imus was a three-day engagement between Spanish forces and Filipino revolutionaries that marked the first major victory of the Philippine Revolution. It is considered the most decisive early battle of the uprising and a key turning point in Philippine history. (PB-PIA CALABARZON)