Aklan SP: Sing the "Among Akean" provincial hymn

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - The provincial board has directed local and national government offices and public educational institutions at all levels in Aklan to sing the "Among Akean," the adopted Aklan Hymn. Local radio stations, including cable television companies, are also mandated to play the Aklan Hymn when they come on air and at least three times a day before the station sign-off. Authored by Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Victor Manuel Garcia, the provincial hymn of Aklan, he said, is mandatory to all private schools within the province to sing it during formal occasions and flag ceremonies every Monday only.
This means that public elementary, high school and college students are required to sing the composition of Dr. Jesse Gomez in all flag ceremonies and assemblies except for private schools which are required to sing the provincial hymn once a week.
Gomez, who hails from Numancia, Aklan, is also the composer of Aklan March 'Hala Bira, Akean' and presently the Division Schools Superintendent in Roxas City. Garcia said the singing of 'Among Akean" is especially important in inculcating awareness among the children and made them more proud to be Aklanons.
"It (Aklan Hymn) is our pride as a province. The ordinance maintained that the playing of Aklan Hymn in every school is necessary to foster awareness of being Akeanon. Every Akeanon should know the hymn by heart," he stressed.

'Among Akean' is usually sung after the singing of Philippine National Anthem, which was first played in March this year during the regional athletic meet hosted by the province of Aklan.

In its 18th regular session, the provincial board approved the new legislative measure without imposing penalties or fines for not singing the Aklan Hymn in ceremonial events and flag ceremonies.