ILOILO City – A proposed provincial ordinance seeks to declare Nov. 11 to 17 of every year as “General Martin T. Delgado Week.”
The observance shall commemorate milestones in the life of Martin T. Delgado, a local hero from Santa Barbara, Iloilo, stated the proposal authored by 2nd District Provincial Board member Demy Sonza.
Delgado was the first governor of Iloilo province, serving from 1901 to 1904.
He was the general-in-chief of the Revolutionary Army in Iloilo province during the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War.
Delgado was born Nov. 11, 1858 and died Nov. 12, 1918.
On Nov. 11 this year would be his 160th birth anniversary and on Nov. 12, his 100th death anniversary.
The local hero led the “Cry of Santa Barbara” on Nov. 17, 1898 when the Philippine flag was raised as the revolutionary government was inaugurated in Visayas.
Iloilo residents should commemorate these milestones in the life of Delgado, said Sonza, chairman of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on culture, arts, history, and tourism.
“The period from Nov. 11 to 17 marks three important milestones in the life of General Martin T. Delgado, thereby making it fitting and proper for the commemoration of his heroism and distinguished service to his country and people,” read part of the proposed ordinance.
Moreover the governor shall “create committees, issue circulars or orders, and take other necessary actions for the appropriate and fitting celebration of the General Martin T. Delgado Week,” the ordinance read./PN
