Monday, November 05, 2007 'The bluff' that freed Negros remembered today By Jerome S. Galunan Jr. and Gil Alfredo B. Severino
NEGROS Occidental Historical Council (NOHC) Executive Director Roque Hofilena recalled the significance of Monday's commemoration as the day when Negrenses under the leadership of General Juan Araneta of Bago and General Aniceto Lacson of Talisay “bravely and creatively” won the battle against the last Spanish military dominance in Negros.
Now dubbed by historians as "Movimiento de Cinco de Noviembre" (November 5 Movement), Hofilena announced a simple but meaningful ceremony at the Capitol grounds fronting the lagoon.
Negros Occidental Governor Joseph Maranon described this as the province's way of honoring our local heroes.
At the same time, Bacolod City will unveil a historical marker fronting the Fountain of Justice courtesy of the National Historical Commission (NHC).
Hofilena said, "This is very meaningful because the surrender and proclamation of the so-called 'Negros Republic' was made in that historic spot."
Hofilena added that Talisay and Bago, being homes to Lacson and Araneta, respectively will have their separate programs.
"At Talisay, NHC Executive Director Ludivico Baduy will be present to deliver a talk on the significance of the event," Hofilena said.
Bago City, on the other hand, will go with its traditional Canon Festival that will highlight Monday's event.
It will also feature a reenactment of how Araneta led the local forces towards the “pueblo” of Bacolod where the Spanish “casadores” Col. Isidro Castro resided.
Participants will reenact guerilla soldiers' clothing while carrying nipa stems with knives at the end looking like real rifles from afar.
At present, both the Araneta and Lacson are helping Negros province through public service and business ventures.
