Bago City Celebrates Heroism on Al Cinco de Noviembre

BACOLOD CITY – The City Government of Bago celebrates the 126th Al Cinco de Noviembre today, Nov. 5, with various activities marking the historic event.

This year’s theme is “126 Years of Heroism and Nationalism: Advancing the Legacy of Ingenuity and Progress.”

Al Cinco de Noviembre, also known as Negros Day, is commemorated each Nov. 5 to honor the Negrenses’ 1898 revolt against Spanish colonizers.

The day was declared a non-working holiday in the province under Republic Act 6709.

The essence of Al Cinco de Noviembre is rooted in the ingenuity and bravery of General Juan Araneta, his Bagonhon troops, and forces from the north led by General Aniceto Lacson.

Known as the “historical bluff,” Bagonhon troops used nipa fronds as “rifles” and rolled bamboo mats as “cannons,” creating a convincing illusion that led to the Spaniards’ surrender.

Mayor Nicholas Yulo said the event allows Bagonhons to honor the heroism displayed by General Juan Araneta and his troops in standing up to foreign tyranny.

“It was a bloodless revolt through which Negrenses were freed from 300 years of Spanish oppression,” he said.

The mayor expressed hope that Bagonhons and Negrenses remember the history that unfolded centuries ago, stressing that “the lesson of Al Cinco de Noviembre should still be learned today, especially by younger generations, and applied to our modern world.”

Today’s events began with a thanksgiving Mass at St. John the Baptist Church at 7 a.m.

Local officials, led by Mayor Nicholas Yulo and Vice Mayor Ramon Torres, participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the General Juan Araneta Monument at 7:30 a.m., followed by a Civic Military Parade through city streets at 8 a.m.

The city will also hold the 26th Sigabong sang mga Kanyon, featuring a parade of cannons along major streets leading to Bantayan Park.

One of the main highlights is the Bago City Invitational Fancy Drill Competition.

Now in its 13th year, seven schools from Negros Occidental will compete, including Enriqueta Montilla De Esteban National High School in Pulupandan; Lopez Jaena National High School, Minoyan National High School, and Murcia National High School in Murcia; M.G. Medalla Integrated School and STI-West Negros University in Bacolod City; and Bago City College.

There will be a street performance in the morning and an arena competition at the Manuel Y. Torres Memorial Coliseum and Cultural Center (MYTMCCC) in the afternoon.

Additional activities today include the Clean and Green Awarding Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. and “Party at the Park” at 7 p.m., both at Bantayan Park.

Leading up to the celebration, the city government hosted several events as part of the 126th Al Cinco de Noviembre festivities.

The Ramon Torres National High School held United Nations Day at MYTMCCC on Oct. 26, followed by SK Federation Day and Regional Rescuelympics at Manuel Y. Torres Sports Center on Oct. 29.

Other events included Cooperative Day at MYTMCCC on Oct. 30 and Migrant Workers’ Day on Oct. 31.

On Nov. 1, the city hosted the Wicked Wonderland-themed Market Vendors’ Day at MYTMCCC, the 1st Mayor Nikko Yulo Football Cup at the sports center, and Pride Day de Noviembre at MYTMCCC on Nov. 2.

The Al Cinco de Noviembre Fun Shoot took place at the Bago City Police Station Target Range, Bago City Elementary Day at MYTMCCC, and Party at the Park at Bantayan Park on Nov. 3.

The celebration also featured an Al Cinco de Noviembre Job Fair at MYTMCCC and Praise and Worship and “Party at the Park” at Bantayan Park on Nov. 4.