BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Following a two-year hiatus brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, Bago City will finally be able to celebrate Al Cinco de Noviembre which is now on its 124th year this Saturday.
Al Cinco de Noviembre, also known as Negros Day, is celebrated every Nov. 5 to commemorate the Negrenses’ revolt against the Spanish colonizers in 1898.
The date is also a non-working holiday in Negros Occidental by virtue of Republic Act 6709.
Bago City tourism operations officer Mae Ann Furtos said despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the city government continues to preserve its heritage through commemorating Al Cinco de Noviembre.
“Its very essence is the ingenuity and bravery of the valiant hero, General Juan Araneta and his Bagonhon troops together with the forces from the north led by General Aniceto Lacson,” Furtos said.
She added that the event was a “historical bluff” as Filipino forces in Bago City used coconut fronds as “rifles” and rolled bamboo mats as “cannons” in order to trick the Spaniards into surrenders.
Furtos stressed that “it was a bloodless revolt, and through which, Negrenses were freed from the 300-year Spanish tyranny”.
The city will start the event with the Philippine Navy Reservists Unity Walk at 4 a.m. from Sum-ag and crossing La Carlota going to Bago City.
Local officials headed by Mayor Nicholas Yulo will lead the wreath-laying ceremony at General Juan Araneta Monument at 7:30 a.m., followed by the Civic Military Parade at the city streets at 8 a.m. to be participated by the 24 barangays clustered into eight groups.
Furtos noted that the “Sigabong sang mga Kanyon” events would also return this year.
Other activities include “Party at the Park” at the Bantayan Park, Kustura Bagonhon: Local Fabric Fashion Show, and Biodiversity Month Photo Exhibit, among others.
“Bagonhons can really expect a more meaningful comeback of Al Cinco de Noviembre this year,” Furtos said, adding that this year’s Sigabong sang mga Kanyon is actually a preparation for its silver year in 2023./PN
