An impassioned speech by Bulacan 1st District Rep. Jose Antonio “Jonathan” R. Sy-Alvarado before the House of Representatives stoked the flame of nationalism among Congress members, paving the way for the recent passage of his bill to make January 23 of every year a national holiday in honor of the establishment of the First Philippine Republic. “Ako po ay Pilipino; noon, ngayon at magpasawalang hanggan.