LGU-Bayambang officials led by Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao and Vice-Mayor Raul R. Sabangan woke up early on December 1 to welcome the delegates of Byaheng Tirad Pass (Heroes’ Trek) 2017.

In his welcome remarks, Mayor Quiambao underscored the significance of the long trek, and that is to commemorate the heroism of the young General Gregorio ‘Goyo’ del Pilar while the country’s first president, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, and members of his government were fleeing from the pursuing American army. Goyo’s mission to put up a defense at Tirad Pass — now considered to be in Concepcion town in the province of Ilocos Sur — was a delaying tactic.

The town of Concepcion, Ilocos Sur, has been renamed Gregorio del Pilar in honor of the hero, and this year’s celebration is the 118th anniversary of the Battle of Tirad Pass.

The visitors came all the way from Malolos, Bulacan, with most of them being members of the historical interest group Bulacan Salinlahi Inc. headed by Isagani Giron. Among the notable participants were Janice Villarosa, a granddaughter of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar, and Bong Enriquez, the grandson of Vicente Enriquez, who was the aide-de-camp of Gen. Del Pilar. A significant number of participants are students from the University of Philippines in Manila.

Salinlahi has been conducting the annual trek since 1999.

LGU-Bayambang and Bayambang Municipal Council for Culture and Arts representatives were also there to welcome the visitors and join their long journey starting from the Bayambang leg of the north-bound trip. This is the second year Bayambang officially joins the trek.