I wore a totally different hat and perhaps one of the most meaningful to me: that of a descendant of a Philippine-American War hero. It was a moment that linked my family’s story to a larger national narrative, offering a rare opportunity to share my roots and reflect on how they continue to shape the person I am today. “My name is Agapito Del Rosario Zaldarriaga, son of Cristina Baby Sicangco Del Rosario Zaldarriaga, grandson of Agapito Abad Santos Del Rosario. She led guerrillas, negotiated with American forces and helped stabilize Angeles after the war.”The deeper discussion at the forum centered on the Philippine-American War. Forgetting this is forgetting the sacrifices of martyrs like Kapitan Bikong, whose courage helped secure the freedoms we now enjoy.

Source: Philippine Star February 11, 2026 16:35 UTC