Aguinaldo, Ifugao honors war history with ‘BUNHIAN’ nationhood trail marker

The marker commemorates the area’s historical connection to Emilio Aguinaldo and his forces, who stayed in what was then known as Bunhian from January 3 to 5, 1900, while moving through the area during the Philippine-American War.

AGUINALDO, Ifugao — The Municipality of Aguinaldo commemorated its 46th founding anniversary with the unveiling of a historical marker recognizing the town’s place in the country’s struggle for independence during the Philippine-American War.

The “Bunhian” marker, installed as part of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ (NHCP) Landas ng Pagkabansang Pilipino (Philippine Nationhood Trail), was unveiled on Monday as part of the municipality’s anniversary celebration.

The marker commemorates the area’s historical connection to Emilio Aguinaldo and his forces, who stayed in what was then known as Bunhian from January 3 to 5, 1900, while moving through the area during the Philippine-American War.

The marker states:

“Sa pamayanang ito, ngayo’y bayan ng Aguinaldo, Ifugao, lumagi si Emilio Aguinaldo, Pangulo ng Unang Republika ng Pilipinas, at ang kaniyang hukbo habang ipinagtatanggol ang kalayaan at pagkabansa ng mga Pilipino, 3-5 Enero 1900.”

The Philippine Nationhood Trail is an NHCP initiative that traces significant locations connected to Aguinaldo and his troops during their movement and temporary stays while defending the First Philippine Republic. The project was launched in connection with the country’s 125th anniversary of independence and nationhood.

Before it became a municipality, the area now known as Aguinaldo was part of Mayoyao and was historically known as Bunhian. The municipality was formally created through Batas Pambansa Blg. 86, approved on September 20, 1980, separating Bunhian and seven other barangays from Mayoyao.

According to the municipal government, the historical connection to Emilio Aguinaldo also forms part of the story behind the municipality’s present name. The official municipal history notes that Bunhian was associated with Aguinaldo’s passage through the area during his movement toward Palanan, Isabela.

Mayor Clemente Talusig said the marker serves as a reminder of the municipality’s responsibility to preserve and pass on its historical heritage.

“As we unveil the National Historic Memorial Marker, we are likewise reminded of our responsibility to preserve the stories and historical significance that connect our municipality to the larger story of our nation,” Talusig said.

Following the unveiling, officials held a wreath-laying ceremony, followed by a military gun salute in honor of the historical landmark.

The Bunhian marker adds Aguinaldo to a growing network of historical sites in Ifugao connected to the Philippine Nationhood Trail. In 2025, three other markers—Alimit, Ayangan, and Mayoyao—were unveiled in Mayoyao.

The marker is expected to serve not only as a historical reference but also as a reminder to residents and visitors of Aguinaldo’s connection to a significant chapter in the country’s history.