SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Antique provincial government has unveiled the monuments of the 10 Bornean datus who are believed to have left Borneo in search of freedom and established the first community in the province during the pre-Spanish period.
Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao, in her message prior to the unveiling of the monuments on Dec. 19 as part of the highlight of the annual Binirayan Festival, said that although the story of the arrival of the 10 Bornean datus in Barangay Malandog in the Municipality of Hamtic may be regarded as a folklore by some people, the Antiqueños are taking pride that their home province is where the modernization of Panay island had started.
“We pay homage to our origins by reliving our history,” Cadiao said.
She said that the Antiqueños look back on their ancestors’ success as a way to guide them on what they would do in the future.
The governor, in her message then, commended the Antique Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office headed by Juan Carlos Perlas to have commissioned John Alaban, an artist who has roots in Antique, to do the monuments that weigh one ton and standing high at 15 feet each.
The 10 Bornean datus are Puti, who is the leader of the chieftains; Sumakwel; Bangkaya; Dumalugdog; Lubay; Paiburong; Dumangsil; Balensusa; Paduhinogan; and, Dumangsol.
Antique Congressman Antonio Agapito Legarda, in his message, said the unveiling of the monuments is part of the promotion of the province’s culture.
“We have a very colorful tradition and heritage,” Legarda said.
Senate Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda, in her message read by Congressman Legarda, said she is rejoicing with her provincemates as they unite in celebration of their rich history in attribute to their forefathers.
She said that Antique may have evolved with a lot of changes, opportunities, and spurs of economic growth, but it still owes its progress to the past.
“What is progress if we don’t recognize our humble beginnings,” the lady senator said. (PNA)