"Gahum ag Himaya" to highlight 114th anniversary of XIX Martyrs
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – A theatrical presentation titled “Gahum ag Himaya” will highlight the commemoration of the 114th anniversary of XIX Martyrs of Aklan.

March 23 of every year is a special public holiday for the whole province of Aklan by virtue of Republic Act No. 7806 signed by then President Fidel Valdez Ramos on September 1, 1994.
Albert Menez, chairman of Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi), said that in fitting tribute to the heroism, bravery and patriotism of the XIX Martyrs, the local government unit of Kalibo headed by Mayor William Lachica and festival organizer Kasafi will present a cultural show and dinner at the Aklan Freedom Shrine in the evening of March 23.
In the morning, the local government unit of Kalibo has lined up activities to commemorate the historic struggle and ideals of nationalism of XIX Martyrs of Aklan.

A thanksgiving and commemorative mass at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, civic military parade and commemorative program at the Aklan Freedom Shrine also highlight the annual tribute for Aklanon revolutionaries of Katipunan.
“The month of March commemorates the memories of the first Katipuneros outside Luzon who sacrificed their lives for the true ideals of patriotism and brings all Filipinos together to fight for freedom where to this day the XIX Martys of Aklan remain an inspiration for all especially the younger generations of Aklanons,” Lachica stressed.

Menez said the cultural presentation features Kundiman songs, Aklanon dances, chorale rendition, Rigodon de Honor and fashion show from the selected elementary and high school students, local government employees and from socio-civic and religious organizations.

Honored guests at the cultural presentation are Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores, Kasangga Partylist Rep. Teodorico Haresco, Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo, Kalibo mayor William Lachica and Vice Mayor Madeline Regalado.

The XIX Martyrs of Aklan who were executed on March 23, 1897 by the Spanish authorities were Roman Aguirre, Tomas Briones, Domingo Dela Cruz, Claro Delgado, Angelo Fernandez, Simon Inocencio, Catalino Mangat, Lamberto Mangat, Valeriano Masinda, Maximo Mationg and Simplicio Reyes from Kalibo, Valeriano Dalida, Isidro Jimenez, Canuto Segovia, Gavino Sucgang and Francisco Villorente from the town of New Washington and Benito Iban, Candido Iban and Gabino Yonsal of Malinao.

The month of March was declared by the municipality of Kalibo as the "Month of Remembering Aklanon Martyrs and Patriots" through a Municipal Ordinance No. 2008-02 to inculcate the rich historical and culturage and to instill patriotism to the younger generation.