Brought by the complications caused by the United States of America, President Aguinaldo transferred the seat of government from Bacoor, Cavite to Malolos in Bulacan to safeguard the interest of the new Philippine Republic.
As President of the Revolutionary Governement, Aguinaldo issued for a proclamation calling for the meeting of the delegates of the first Philippine Congress in Malolos.
Historians agree that Malolos was ideal venue for hosting the Congress. Being the largest town in Bulacan, it was accessible by carriage, boat (via Pasig River-Manila Bay route), and rail (via Manila-Dagupan Railroad). A great number of Malolos residents were liberal-minded ilustrados who would be open to the progressive ideas Aguinaldo sought to imbue in the new republic.
Malolos was one of the oldest towns outside of Manila. Founded in 1580, the town provided numerous buildings to house the administrative functions and offices of the First Philippine Republic.
Modification was made on the parish church of Barasoain which was chosen to house the Congress for it size. According to Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, Barasoain Church nave was large enough to be adopted as meeting hall. Its main retable was covered by white fabric, and religious statuary had been removed. Republican heraldry and festooning decorated the site. Instead of an altar, there was a wooden table draped in crimson and light blue; three carved, high-backed chairs stood at the chancel. At the left of the chancel was a table covered with cloth of red and blue. A press section was set up near the chancel rail. Revolutionary flags, crossed palm leaves and wreaths were everywhere.
The adjacent convent became the President’s office with meeting rooms. Honor guards in distinguished uniforms stood at their posts.
The first Philippine Congress assembled on September 15, 1898 at the Barasoain Church. Teodoro Agoncillo described the momentous event: The long and narrow road to the church was lined with excited people. Home-made… flags, made of red calico stripes, decorated every house and post. Palm leaves and flowers added a festive mood to the occasion. On either side of the road were lines of bamboo arches such as may be seen in any town fiesta. Infantrymen, well-dressed and behaving with the confidence of conqueror, were standing at attention in front of the arches…”
Felice Prudente Sta. Maria, Vision of the Possible
Teodoro Agoncillo, Mololos, Crisis of the Republic