INTRODUCTION
It is with a great sense of pride that i celebrate with you the declaration of Malacañang palace as a historical shrine. For where else in our country in current times was the battle for true independence, for real democracy and genuine freedom, more symbolically fought and won than here in Malacañang.

The National Historical Institute (NHI), by the powers vested in it by Presidential Decree No. 260, has passed Board Resolution No. 2, Series of 1998, declaring Malacañang Palace as a national historical landmark. By doing so, the NHI has granted to it the honor and prestige due it as the locus of the nation’s power and history’s mute witness of many significant acts that have made our country what it is today.

Malacañang has played a crucial role in our life as a nation. Its name is associated with power. This palace by the Pasig River was the seat of colonial power for many years, and has been the seat of the executive branch of the Philippine government since the Commonwealth government in 1935.

Except during the term of office of President Ramon Magsaysay — which was sadly interrupted by his death — Malacañang was viewed as inaccessible, off limits to the vast majority of the people.

Not anymore for we have made Malacañang a palace of the people.
THE ORIGINS OF MALACAÑANG
Malacañang Palace had undergone several transformations to accord with the times and the functions of its various occupants. Only its original name — derived either from “may lakan dyan” or “ma-lakan dyan” meaning a nobleman stays there or many noblemen are there — has survived to provide this and future generations a clue about its rich past.

Indeed, Malacañang Palace has been the base of a “lakan” or chief, starting from the time it was acquired, in 1802, by the Spanish colonel, Jose Miguel Fomento from Don Luis Rocha. The status of Malacañang gained more permanence when the Spanish government, through Governor-General Mariano Ricafort, bought the property to serve as the governor’s rest house, and called it Campo de Malacañang; and when, twenty-two years later, in 1847, the palace was declared by royal decree as the official summer residence of the governors-general.

The Intramuros earthquake in 1863 which destroyed the governor-general’s palace in Intramuros necessitated the transfer of the seat of power, then held by Governor-General Rafael de Echague, to the palace by the Pasig. Since then, Malacañang Palace has served as the seat of power, even when we were briefly administered by the Americans.

All told, 14 Spanish governors-general, 13 American civil governors and nine (9) Philippine presidents had worked and resided in Malacañang Palace, each one physically transforming a portion of this palace, providing a reflection of his own taste and his times.

The palace was transformed into a museum by President Corazon C. Aquino in 1986 on the heels of our people power revolution and expanded during the Ramos administration. It now houses various memorabilia of Filipino presidents and showcases some of the best works of Filipino artists and craftsmen. Since its declaration as a museum, it can be said that the palace has come full circle.

It has functioned — since the residency of President Manuel l. Quezon, its first Filipino occupant — as the symbol from which emerged policies, programs and actions for the Filipino people. It is only but fitting that this symbol should be physically accessible to the people from whom the true power of the nation emanates.
OUR STRUGGLE FOR FREEDOM, PROSPERITY AND PEACE
But this is all in the past. Today, I am most happy that the doors of Malacañang are open — and opened wide — to welcome our people and our friends from foreign lands. It warms my heart and gives me pride that Malacañang, the symbol of government authority and power, the palace by the Pasig, is now truly the palace of the people.

This should recall to us what our revolutionaries fought for one hundred years ago, and it should remind us, the inheritors of their legacy, that we must continue the struggle for justice, freedom and prosperity and peace for all.

The openness of Malacañang to all Filipinos should also remind us that the government is in power to serve the people, to serve all of the people and that government is not the privileged preserve of a few or of an elite class of Filipinos.

In February 1986 the People Power Revolution emphasized this fact most strongly and stated it fiercely and passionately when, as a united people, we took to the streets and stormed the gates of Malacañang to reclaim the government for the people and thereby put an end to 14 years of dictatorial rule. Our People Power Revolution — will remain a turning point in our life as a nation for it made a strong statement that should never be forgotten — that government is meant to be for the people, for the common good of the nation.
THE PALACE DOORS ARE OPEN
I am happy with the resolution introduced by the National Historical Institute to declare Malacañang palace a historical shrine.

Today, Malacañang is both a working area and a museum that contains the memorabilia of our presidents and their times. The mural that now graces the anteroom to the heroes’ hall was set in place by the Malacañang Heritage Foundation and Kaanak (the descendants of our revolutionary era), and the video documentary was produced by Radio Television Malacañang.

The Centennial is a time for celebration, but it is also a time for reflection. True love of country is nourished and nurtured by a sense of history. To have a deep knowledge of the past enables us to know the men and women who have helped shape our destiny. A deep knowledge of the past enables us to draw courage, strength and inspiration from their lives. Perhaps if we spend more time in the company of such men like Rizal, Aguinaldo, Bonifacio, Mabini, del Pilar and women like Gabriela Silang and Tandang Sora, we would be inspired by their sense of nobility and, like them, do more noble deeds for our people in our own day. Let our past guide our present and enhance our future.

Mabuhay kayong lahat at maligayang Sentenaryo.