By Nimfa Estrellado Government officials and representative from various sectors gather to commemorate the 182nd death anniversary of Herman...
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| Government officials and representative from various sectors gather to commemorate the 182nd death anniversary of Hermano Puli in Isabang, Tayabas City on November 4, 2023. (Photo from Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso) |
TAYABAS CITY, Quezon - The Quezon government marked on November 4, 2023, in Isabang, Tayabas City, the 182nd death anniversary of Apolinario de la Cruz, better known as Hermano Puli, a Filipino revolutionary and religious leader from Tayabas who founded and led the CofradÃa de San José. He was a prominent historical figure, and in honor of his legacy, a sequel film about his life and contributions to Filipino society was also released.
The solemn ceremony includes wreath-laying at the monument to Hermano Puli, speeches by government officials and religious leaders, and a reenactment of key moments from his life. Local government officials pay tribute and recall Hermano Puli's significant contribution to the fight for religious freedom and social justice.
Tayabas Mayor Lovely Reynoso-Pontioso told the story of Apolinario de la Cruz how he founded the Cofradia de San Jose, a religious organization that aimed to promote the rights and welfare of the indigenous people during the Spanish colonial period.
She emphasized how Hermano Puli's teachings and actions inspired many Filipinos to stand up against oppression and fight for their rights. The ceremony also serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in society today.
She also highlighted the relevance of Apolinario de la Cruz's advocacy in today's society, stressing the need to continue the fight for social justice and equal rights
Quezon Governor Angelina Helen Tan, on the other hand, stated that Hermano Puli died for our faith so that we could freely practice our beliefs and join the religion of our choice without fear of persecution.
She said his bravery and sacrifice serve as a reminder that we must continue to fight for the principles he held dear, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same freedoms he fought for.
According to her, Hermano Puli's legacy goes beyond religious freedom, as he also fought for social justice, advocating for the rights and welfare of the marginalized and oppressed.
She urged everyone to carry on their mission by actively working towards a more inclusive and equitable society where no one is discriminated against based on their beliefs or social status.
The said program was also attended by Historical Site Development Officer Eufemio Agbayani, Juris Doctor, represented by Vice Governor Third Alcala, Aleixa Alcala, Tuklas Tayabas Historical Society Inc. Founder John Valdeavilla, head offices and staff of the Quezon Provincial Government, and representatives from national government agencies
Meanwhile, the Cultural Heritage Preservation Office of Tayabas (CHPO) has new short film production projects in the pipeline, aiming to raise awareness about the rich cultural heritage of Tayabas.
This short film, titled "Pasyon ni Hermano Puli," is a historical drama that tells the story of Hermano Puli, a Filipino revolutionary and religious leader from Tayabas. The film aims to shed light on his significant role in the fight for independence and highlight the cultural importance of his story in Tayabas' history.
It honors the sacrifice of Hermano Puli, the founder and charismatic leader of Cofradia de San Jose, which grew to 5,000 members in the provinces of Tayabas, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, and Camarines. On November 4, 1841, he was executed, and his body was dismembered. His head was caged and displayed atop a pole stuck in the side of a road in Lucban, where he was born and raised.
The new film's scriptwriter and director, Necias "Nick" Chaves Pataunia, stated that despite having read numerous books and study materials on Hermano Puli, he felt something more needed to be revealed.
"I want to celebrate oral and local history, give prominence to natural scribes and 'kwentista' of small town's history. Hear their voices, feel their sighs, and feel their relief." he said.
He also said the history of Puli never stops with his gruesome death. There are many questions, and Pasyon ni Hermano Puli tries to explore the answers to those questions. In order to find answers to these questions, he interviewed Cornelio Raeses, President of the Lucban Historical Society and three-term municipal councilor of Lucban, Quezon.
The new video has premiered on November 3, 2023, at 4 p.m. at the historic Casa Comunidad de Tayabas, according to CHPO Coordinator Koko Pataunia. It is a prequel to the ten-minute film PAGSAMO KAY PULI, which was also directed by Nick Pataunia and produced by CHPO in 2021.
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