Bago Mayor Marina “Mayette” Javellana-Yao and Vice Mayor Andrew Martin Torres lead the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the General Juan Araneta Monument Wednesday morning.*
Bago City finally commemorated the 127th Al Cinco de Noviembre on Wednesday, November 12, having postponed the celebration due to Typhoon “Tino”.
Mayor Marina “Mayette” Javellana-Yao led the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the General Juan Araneta Monument.
On the sidelines of the event, she emphasized that the courage of the Bagonhon hero is a vital source of inspiration for the people as they face the challenging aftermath of the typhoon.
Javellana said that General Juan Araneta’s life should inspire every Bagonhon, proving 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.
Al Cinco de Noviembre, also known as Negros Day, is celebrated every November 5 to commemorate the successful revolt of the Negrenses against the Spanish colonizers in 1898.
The very essence of this historical event is the ingenuity and bravery of General Araneta and his Bagonhon troops, along with the forces from the north led by General Aniceto Lacson.
The revolt is famously dubbed a “historical bluff” because Araneta’s troops used rolled amakan (bamboo mats) as “cannons” and nipa (coconut fronds) as “rifles.” These props, convincing from a distance, ultimately led to the surrender of the Spaniards in Negros.
The theme for this year’s delayed commemoration was “Celebrating Courage, Championing Progress – Asenso Bago.”
Javellana said the theme serves to remind the people of the courage, unity, and hope that shines in every Negrense heart.
Joining the mayor at the ceremony were Vice Mayor Andrew Martin Torres, and Councilors Victor Michael Javellana, Ma. Josefa Matti, Robert Javellana, Jake Patrick Torres, Ma. Femmy Alvarez-Martir, Jorge Araneta, Leonilo del Carmen, Imelda Precion, and Jom Somcio. They were also joined by ABC President Jovito Gahaton, and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Julianae Lavadia.*