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Martín Valera García was a Filipino leader from Badoc,Ilocos Norte who lived during a transformative era in Philippine history, when the country was shifting from Spanish colonial rule to the revolutionary government and later into the early years of American civil administration.

He first emerged as a prominent figure in public life when he became one of the elected representatives of Ilocos Norte to the Malolos Congress of 1898–1899. At that time, the revolutionary government under General Emilio Aguinaldo was establishing the foundations of a new Philippine nation. The Malolos Congress, convened at Barasoain Church in Bulacan, served as the first national legislative body of the Philippines. In this historic assembly, Martín García joined other Ilocano delegates in deliberating on the structure and principles of the emerging republic.

Within the Malolos Congress, García took part in discussions that led to the creation of the Malolos Constitution of 1899, a landmark document that established a republican form of government, recognized civil liberties, and defined the separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. His participation placed him among the early Filipino lawmakers who helped shape the legal foundation of the First Philippine Republic.

Beyond his role in national legislation, Martín García also served in local government as a Presidente Municipal of Badoc in 1916, the equivalent of today’s municipal mayor. In this capacity, he provided direct leadership to his community in Ilocos Norte during a period of continued political transition. As Presidente Municipal, he was responsible for maintaining peace and order, implementing local laws, supervising municipal administration, and ensuring that basic public services were delivered to the people. He also worked closely with provincial authorities, linking the concerns of his town with broader governance structures.

Through these dual roles both as a national delegate in the Malolos Congress and as a local executive leader, Martín García represented the generation of Filipino leaders who helped bridge revolutionary ideals with practical governance. His work reflected the evolving political landscape of the Philippines, where leaders were not only shaping national independence but also strengthening the foundations of local government.

In Philippine history, Martín García is remembered as part of the Ilocano leadership that contributed to the birth of the First Philippine Republic and the early development of municipal governance. His life reflects dedication to public service during a time when Filipinos were actively defining their identity as a nation.

📷 from James Michael Ruiz

Ang Schools Division of Ilocos Norte, Araling Panlipunan Department ay nakikiisa sa pagdiriwng ng ika-128 na Araw ng Kalayaan-pagpupugay sa kasaysayan,kalayaan at kagitingan ng lahing Pilipino. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

We proudly honor our Araling Panlipunan Amazing Teacher for the Month of May 2026, Teacher Shiela Balbas Soriano whose unwavering passion, commitment, and excellence in teaching continue to ignite young minds and inspire both students and fellow Social Studies educators across the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte. Guided by the goal-oriented leadership of our Education Program Supervisor, Dr. Dennis Corcino Ramirez , her dedication has created a meaningful and lasting impact. Thank you, Teacher Shiela for touching lives and shaping hearts through education.”

Ang gasera ay higit pa sa isang simpleng ilawan; isa itong tanglaw na sumisimbolo sa mayamang kasaysayan at makulay na kulturang Pilipino. Sa bawat liwanag na ibinibigay nito, naaalala natin ang payak ngunit makabuluhang pamumuhay ng ating mga ninuno—mga gabing puno ng kuwentuhan, pagtutulungan, at pagpapahalaga sa pamilya at tradisyon. Tahimik man ang ningning ng gasera, dala naman nito ang init ng pagkakaisa at pag-asa na naging gabay ng maraming henerasyon. Sa paglipas ng panahon, nananatili itong paalala na ang ating kultura at pamana ay patuloy na magsisilbing ilaw sa pagkakakilanlan nating mga Pilipino. 🇵🇭✨

Our sincerest thanks to our balikbayan friend from Hawaii, USA, Mr. Herman Dafun, who served as guest speaker during our AP Socialization Night.

His presence brought added warmth and meaning to the celebration as everyone came together in the spirit of camaraderie, culture, and fellowship. We deeply appreciated his time and effort in joining the AP family during this memorable evening.