Antique commemorates 150th birth anniversary of General Fullon

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

Antique honors a towering figure in its history by commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of revolutionary hero and the first Filipino Governor of Antique, General Leandro Locsin Fullon today, March 13.

Spearheaded by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the municipal government of the Antique province, a series of events were organized to pay tribute to General Fullon’s legacy and contributions.

The commemoration commences with a solemn mass at 6:00 a.m., followed by a series of rites at the Gen. Leandro L. Fullon National Monument in Hamtic, Antique,

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will perform the welcome rites upon the arrival of the guest of honor followed by the flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying tribute to be led by Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda and NHCP Chairman Emmanuel Franco Calairo.

Themed “150 Taon ng Paggunita at Pagpapahalaga sa Kagitingan, Kadakilaan, at Kabayanihan ng Lahing Antikenyo” (150 Years of Remembering and Valuing the Courage, Greatness, and Heroism of the Antiqueños), the celebration aims to shed light on General Fullon’s remarkable journey.

As a Filipino general and government administrator, he played a pivotal role in the Philippine Revolution and the Philippine-American War.

Notably, he led expeditionary forces to Panay and established a Revolutionary Provincial Government in Antique, eventually serving as its first Filipino Governor from 1901 to 1904.

On March 12, in anticipation of the anniversary, the NHCP released a booklet titled “General Leandro Fullon of Antique,” authored by Dr. Aida Mirasol Ricarze, a distinguished historian from the University of Antique.

Collaborating with the University of the Philippines Center for West Visayan Studies (UP-CWVS), the publication provides an insightful glimpse into General Fullon’s life, chronicling his bravery, governance, and legacy.

The launching event, held at the Old Capitol Building Conference Hall in San Jose de Buenavista, Hamtic, Antique was attended by Fullon’s descendants, government officials, and esteemed guests.

Among the guest speakers were Hamtic councilor Joker Alberto Pacificador,  Antique Provincial Administrator Atty. Nery G. Duremdes, and NHCP Executive Director Carminda Arevalo.

Senator Legarda, unable to attend in person at the book launching but expected to attend on the day of commemoration, delivered a message through an audio-visual presentation.

She highlighted General Fullon’s dedication and patriotism, emphasizing the relevance of his story in today’s fight for independence and better governance.

“As an Antiquena, it is my pride to join this commemoration. Looking back to our past means reflecting on our values and connecting them to the visions of today,” she said.

“The fight for a better future and true independence within our society continues, and just like General Fullon, we must not falter. We head on straight into battle, following our marching orders. Remembering a leader like the general gives us an opportunity to assess what kind of leaders we want in Antique and also gives us a glimpse of what kind of citizens we want to be—honest, dignified, and brave,” the senator added.

Reflecting on the significance of the celebration, Executive Director Arevalo emphasized the alignment of the activity with NHCP’s broader initiative to highlight local heroes and narratives as part of the celebration of the 125th Philippine Independence anniversary.

The 150th Birth Anniversary of General Leandro Locsin Fullon serves not only as a tribute to a remarkable individual but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of courage and patriotism that defines the people of Antique.

As the province comes together to honor its illustrious son, General Fullon’s legacy continues to inspire generations, reminding us of the valor and resilience that shape the Filipino identity.