INDEPENDENCE DAY. Philippine flags adorn the old Antique capitol building in celebration of the 126th Independence Day on Wednesday (June 12, 2024). Errol Santillan, consultant of the Antique provincial government in tourism, history and culture, said in an interview on Tuesday (June 11) that valiant Antiqueño soldiers had played a vital role in the fight for independence. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Younger generations must reflect on the vital role played by valiant Antiqueño soldiers in their quest for freedom, which is worthy of honor.
Errol Santillan, the consultant of the Antique provincial government in tourism, history, and culture, said in an interview Tuesday that General Leandro Fullon and Lt. Col. Valentin Grasparil, together with other soldiers, fought fiercely for liberation against the Spanish and Japanese colonizers.
“The Independence Day celebration is significant for the Antiqueños because of the sacrifices of their forebears like Gen. Fullon and Lt. Col. Valentin Grasparil,” Santillan said.
Fullon, born on March 13, 1874, was a Philippine general and a member of the Katipunan. He helped organize the first revolutionary government in the country and led the expeditionary forces to Panay Island.
He established a revolutionary provincial government in Antique and became the first Filipino governor of the province in 1901-1904.
Santillan said that another valiant soldier, Lt. Col. Valentin Grasparil, should be honored and remembered for fighting for freedom.
Grasparil led the 66th Infantry Regimen, which liberated the provinces of Aklan and Capiz from the Japanese forces.
Fighting side-by-side with the other soldiers from Iloilo, they drove the Japanese out of Balantang in Jaro.
Grasparil and his men liberated Antique from the Japanese Imperial Army.
Santillan said people should preserve the freedom they now enjoy for the next generations.
During the 126th Independence Day celebration on June 12, the provincial government of Antique will have a program and wreath-laying before the monument of Jose Rizal at the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park in San Jose de Buenavista.
The new and old capitol, as well as the life-size monument of Antiqueño local hero former Governor Evelio B. Javier, are adorned with Philippine flags as a reminder for the people of the significance of the event. (PNA)
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