Historical Marker for Gen Edilberto Evangelista Unveiled at Zapote Bridge

HISTORICAL MARKER FOR GEN. EDILBERTO EVANGELISTA UNVEILED AT ZAPOTE BRIDGE

BACOOR CITY, Cavite — Local officials and historians gathered at the historic Zapote Bridge on June 23, 2026 to unveil a historical marker honoring Gen. Edilberto Evangelista, one of the revolutionary heroes of the Philippine independence movement.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines joined the Bacoor city government in the ceremony, attended by NHCP Chairperson Regalado Irota Jose Jr., NHCP Deputy Executive Director Alvin Alcid, Bacoor Historical Society representative Veronica Asians, and Angelo Aguinaldo, a descendant of President Emilio Aguinaldo.

Edwin Guinto, head of the Bacoor City Culture, History, Arts and Tourism Department, said the marker aims to strengthen public awareness of the city’s and the nation’s history, particularly among the youth.

The Zapote Bridge was the site of significant battles during the Philippine Revolution and remains one of Cavite’s most historically significant landmarks.

BACKGROUND

Edilberto Evangelista was born on June 5, 1862, in Manila, and trained as a civil engineer in Belgium, where he also developed strong nationalist convictions. Upon returning to the Philippines, he joined the Katipunan revolutionary movement and rose to the rank of general under Emilio Aguinaldo’s command.

Evangelista played a crucial role in the Battle of Zapote Bridge on February 17, 1897, in which Filipino revolutionary forces clashed with Spanish troops along the Zapote River on the boundary of Cavite and Las Piñas. He was killed in action during that engagement, dying on the same ground where his marker now stands. He was 34 years old.

Beyond his military contributions, Evangelista is remembered for his work in designing fortifications and military engineering for the revolutionary forces, applying his technical training in service of the independence cause. He is regarded as one of the most intellectually accomplished of the Katipunan generals.