Provincial Government commemorates 111th Balangiga Encounter Day

BORONGAN CITY – The Provincial Government and the City of Borongan commemorate Saturday the 111th Balangiga Encounter day in this city, where the late Major Eugenio S. Daza was born.

The celebration, which was led by Governor Conrado Nicart Jr. and Mayor Fe R. Abunda, started with a Requiem Mass at Our Lady of the Nativity Cathedral followed by a Freedom Walk to the Eugenio Daza monument, a kilometer stretch, in Barangay Alang-alang in front of the Eastern Samar Provincial Office of the Philippine National Police.

With the theme, “Sustaining the Value of Heroism and Passing It to the Next Generation,” the Freedom Walk was participated by the province, city employees, teachers, students, and members of the Daza family. And September 28 was a non-working holiday in Eastern Samar.

At the monument, the Wreath Laying Ceremony was participated by Governor Nicart, City Council members Annabelle Capito and Estanislao Quelitano Jr. and Rose Sual of the Daza family.

A 21-gun salute was given as tribute to the local hero of the Balangiga Massacre 111 years ago. After the ceremony, the program proper was held at the Eastern Samar National Comprehensive High School (ESNCHS) gymnasium.
Meanwhile, on September 27, a forum on the Balangiga Encounter Day was held at the provincial hall for Makabayan teachers and simultaneously an “On the Spot Essay Writing Contest” was held for high school students in the province.

In the evening, a literary and cultural program was held where the winners were awarded their prizes.

In his message, governor said, “Today, we remember the bravery and courage of the Estehanons, when they defeated the Americans in Balangiga 111 years ago. It is important for us to look back at the events that made a mark not only in the history of our province but of the entire country.”

“We are still struggling today to have a country and government that our fathers envisioned for us, but a dedicated people will surely overcome the challenges that we face. Let us take the pride in commemorating the heroisms of our forefathers.” (Leyte Samar Daily Express)