KALIBO, Aklan – Aklanons celebrated the 109th birth anniversary of the “Father of Aklan” province on Nov. 8 without much fanfare due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Godofredo “Goding” Peralta Ramos served as governor from 1959 to 1961, congressman (1950-1957, 1962-1965), Justice in the Court of Appeals (1973-1976) and Philippine delegate to the United Nations (1962 and 1965).
He worked for the passage of Republic Act No. 1414 separating Aklan from Capiz and making it an independent province in 1956.
Proclamation No. 194 made every Nov. 8 a special non-working holiday in Aklan to mark the birthday of Ramos.
It was signed on April 25, 2002 by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as a fitting tribute to the outstanding achievements of Ramos and as an expression of deep gratitude for his contributions to the province of Aklan.
On the other hand, Republic Act No. 1414 creating Aklan province was signed into law on April 25, 1956 by then President Ramon Magsaysay.
On Sunday morning, a wreath-laying ceremony by members of the Aklan Historical and Cultural Society was held at the statue of Ramos at the Aklan Capitol grounds and park named after him.
Years ago, the government district hospital in Altavas, the Hall of Justice in Kalibo and an airport in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan were also named after the “Father of Aklan.”
Ramos was also the principal author of Republic Act No. 1937 known as the first “Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.”
Ramos, born in Kalibo, Aklan, was the second eldest son of Ponciano Fernandez Ramos and Susana Gonzales Peralta of Bataan.
He retired on government service on Nov. 8, 1976 and died on July 17, 1977 in Manila./PN
