Manila honors Plaridel

On the occasion of 155th birth anniversary of revolutionary hero Marcelo H. del Pilar, Manila Mayor Lito Atienza will lead the inauguration of a marker in his honor at the redeveloped Plaza Miranda, known as the prime public forum for free, intellectual discourse.

The mayor said they will unveil the marker at the "Plaridel Corner" of Plaza Miranda in Quipao for Del Pilar, foremost figure in the Propaganda Movement that helped lay the groundwork for the revolution against Spain in 1896.

A prolific writer, Del Pilar used the pen name "Plaridel" and is acknowledged as the "hero of Filipino journalism."

The commemorative rights are being conducted in close coordination with the Samahang Plaridel, a group composed of the country’s most seasoned journalists.

Apart from inaugurating the "Plaridel Corner," Atienza will also lead wreath laying rites at the Plaridel Monument at the Paraiso ng Batang Maynila on Adriatico street in Malate.

Atienza said Del Pilar, more than anyone else, deserves a space at Plaza Miranda because it provides Manileños "a means for emulating people like him who have committed their entire lives so that their countrymen can enjoy fundamental freedoms." – Evelyn Macairan