CEBU CITY -- The Queen City of the South commemorated the 120th anniversary of the ‘Battle of Tres de Abril’ in Barangay San Nicolas here on Tuesday.
Cebu City officials, led by Mayor Tomas Osmeña, laid flowers and wreaths on the marker of the historic battle between Cebuano “Katipuneros” and Spanish conquistadores 120 years ago.
In his speech during a short program, the mayor said Cebuanos should value the freedom and independence the country had obtained through the gallant struggle of Filipino heroes like Pantaleon Villegas -- popularly known then as Leon Kilat, who led the Cebu uprising against the Spaniards.
“Magpasalamat ta kang Pantaleon Villegas ug sa iyang mga kauban (We should thank Pantaleon Villegas and his comrades),” Osmeña said. “People like them make the Philippines what it is today.”
The mayor said it is the Cebuanos’ honor to pay tribute to these heroes who boldly fought for Philippine democracy.
“The size of the statue doesn’t matter in the celebration, but the sacrifices that the heroes have done made a big difference to the Filipinos,” he said.
The commemoration, spearheaded by the Cebu City Cultural and Heritage Office, was attended by Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and City Councilors Margarita Osmeña, Eugenio Gabuya Jr., Sisinio Andales, and Philip Zafra.
Also in attendance were Cebu Reps. Rodrigo Abellanosa (2nd District) and Raul del Mar (1st District) together with some officials of Barangay San Nicolas, Philippine National Police, and Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
Barangay Captain Abraham Desamparado, for his part, said Cebuanos should also take part in the government’s battle against illegal drugs.
As the Katipuneros struggled in the fight for democracy before, Desamparado said everybody should also do their part and help President Rodrigo Duterte and the police in making the Philippines a drug-free country. (PNA)
