• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
“The culmination of the Negrenses’ revolt against the Spanish colonizers in 1898 represents our (the Filipino’s) desire for self-governance, freedom, democracy and to charter our own destination,” Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo said yesterday during an interview at the 126th Al Cinco de Noviembre celebration in Bago City, which was witnessed by thousands of visitors.
Yulo said “it is important for our people to know, especially the youth, that there is such a man we fondly call Tan Juan or Gen. Juan Araneta who led, not only Bago City, but the forces of the south to compliment the forces of the north led by Gen. Aniceto Lacson, to trap foreign oppressors who ruled us for more than 300 years.”
Our youth should know about the sacrifices our forefathers have made whose fruits we are now enjoying. We no longer have to make sacrifices that may endanger our lives, but to continue what they have fought for. It is our responsibility right now to make sure that progress and prosperity are within the reach of Bagonhons and Negrenses, the mayor said.
Yulo said that before the Al Cinco de Noviembre became a province-wide celebration, it was already being celebrated by Bago and Silay because it was the leaders of the south and the north who converged in Bacolod.
He noted that the celebration of the 126th Al Cinco de Noviembre in Bago City yesterday was generally peaceful and successful.
This year’s theme is “126 Years of Heroism and Nationalism: Advancing the Legacy of Ingenuity and Progress.”
Al Cinco de Noviembre, also known as Negros Day, is celebrated every November 5 to commemorate the Negrenses’ bloodless revolt against the Spanish colonizers in 1898.
It was declared as a non-working holiday in the province by virtue of Republic Act 6709.
The celebration started with a thanksgiving mass at the St. John the Baptist Church at 7 a.m., followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the General Juan Araneta Monument at 7:30 a.m. and a Civic Military Parade at the city streets at 8 a.m. yesterday.
The city also staged the 26th Sigabong sang mga Kanyon where revelers witnessed the parade of cannons at the major streets going to the Bantayan Park.*
