SOCIAL Studies teachers are tasked to contextualize their lessons and their written tests. It simply means that when they talk of nationalism and patriotism, they have to focus not just on national figures but also on their local assets, adopting local themes.
Here in Silay City, we have made a compilation of the materials that we need. We have identified our heroes especially the Cinco de Noviembre revolutionary leaders. They are Leandro Locsin, fund raiser and treasurer; Melecio Severino, secretary general; Nicolas Golez; deputy military commander; Vicente Benedicto and Timoteo Unson, military commanders.
The Philippine flag was hoisted at Silay plaza on November 5, 1898. It was embroidered by Olympia Severino, Eutropia Yorac and Perpetua Severino. That could be the reason why Silay plaza is known as Plaza Olympia Severino.
We also have some Silaynons who are worth mentioning in our Social Studies classes: Fr. Eusebio Locsin, encouraged the opening of haciendas in Silay and Negros Island; Yves Leopold Germaine Gaston, revolutionized sugar farming in Silay; Jose "Pitong Ledesma"...a pianist, conductor, philanthropist and composer of the undying "Tanda de Valse."
In the list, we can add Don Jose R. Ledesma who initiated the construction of what is now the San Diego pro-cathedral; and Jovito Pacete, ace hitman of the guerillas who eliminated those who collaborated with the "kempe-tai" (Japanese military police).
We would like to mention also Isidro de la Rama who operated the first boat service between Silay and Iloilo. Miguel Yulo Unson is the Father of Philippine Budget System. Senator Jose C. Locsin is the Father of Filipino First Policy. Architect Leandro Valencia Locsin is the Poet of Space...more, more.
Silay never goes out of materials for contextualization in Social Studies.