Yesterday, January 23, 2018, was the 119th year of the declaration of the First Philippine Republic, popularly known as the Malolos Republic. This is an important historical event for Filipinos because it signified our determination to prove to the world that we are capable of self-rule. It marked an important period in our struggle for independence set into motion by the nationalist writings of Jose Rizal and the revolution led by Andres Bonifacio.