The City Government of Bago pushed through with a simple ceremony to commemorate the 127th Al Cinco de Noviembre amid the recent onslaught of Typhoon Tino, a press release from Bago PIO said.
Mayor Mayette Javellana, on the sidelines of the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony held at the General Juan Araneta Monument Wednesday morning, November 12, said the courage of the Bagonhon hero is an inspiration for the people in the city, especially during these trying times.
Javellana said General Juan Araneta’s life will inspire every Bagonhon that “we can really stand, dedicate and always fight for the freedom to reclaim what’s our own.”
“It’s really a beautiful sight to see that in spite of the challenges, here we are, Bagonhons, standing strong. Together, our city will rise again,” she said, adding that Bagonhons have lived the values of General Araneta, especially courage and bravery, which were evident during calamities and disasters.
Al Cinco de Noviembre, also known as Negros Day, is celebrated every November 5 to commemorate the Negrenses’ revolt against the Spanish colonizers in 1898.
However, most of the activities for this year’s celebration in the city were cancelled and postponed due to the threat of the typhoon.
Historically, the very essence of Al Cinco de Noviembre is the ingenuity and bravery of the valiant hero, General Juan Araneta, and his Bagonhon troops together with the forces from the north led by General Aniceto Lacson.
This is also called a historical bluff as Bagonhon troops used nipa (coconut fronds) as “rifles” and amakan (rolled bamboo mats) as “cannon” which seemed to be believable from afar and led to the surrender of the Spaniards.
Themed “Celebrating Courage, Championing Progress – ASENSO BAGO!,” this year’s commemoration, according to Javellana, reminds the people of the courage, unity, and hope that shine in every Negrense heart.
“As we remember General Araneta’s legacy, let us also celebrate our unity, our love for one another, and our shared vision of a brighter, better Bago,” she said, underscoring that “with the challenges that we’re facing, we can be the new Tan Juans of Bago in our own special way.”
Meanwhile, joining the mayor at the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony were Vice Mayor Andrew Martin Torres, Councilors Victor Michael Javellana, Ma. Josefa Matti, Robert Javellana, Jake Patrick Torres, Ma. Femmy Alvarez-Martir, Jorge Araneta, Leonilo del Carmen, Imelda Presion, and Jim Somcio, ABC President Jovito Gahaton, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Julianae Lavadia.
Also present were city hall department heads, officials and representatives of different national government agencies and offices, and descendants of General Juan Araneta, among others.*
