Bago City marks Al Cinco de Noviembre amid storm

BACOLOD CITY – The city government of Bago pushed through on Wednesday with a simple ceremony to commemorate the 127th Al Cinco de Noviembre amid the recent onslaught of Typhoon Tino.

Mayor Mayette Javellana, speaking on the sidelines of the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony held at the General Juan Araneta Monument on Nov. 12, said the courage of the Bagonhon hero continues to inspire the city, especially in these trying times.

Javellana said the life of General Juan Araneta serves as a reminder that “we can really stand, dedicate and always fight for the freedom to reclaim what’s our own.”

“It’s really a beautiful sight to see that in spite of the challenges, here we are, Bagonhons, standing strong,” she said.

“Together, our city will rise again,” she added, noting that Bagonhons have long embodied the values of General Araneta, particularly courage and bravery, which shine during calamities and disasters.

Al Cinco de Noviembre, also known as Negros Day, is celebrated every Nov. 5 to commemorate the Negrenses’ successful revolt against Spanish colonizers in 1898.

However, most of this year’s activities were canceled or postponed due to the threat of Typhoon Tino.

Historically, the essence of Al Cinco de Noviembre lies in the ingenuity and bravery of General Araneta and his Bagonhon troops, who—together with the northern forces led by General Aniceto Lacson—outwitted the Spaniards.

Referred to as a “historical bluff,” the Bagonhon fighters used nipa (coconut fronds) shaped like rifles and amakan (rolled bamboo mats) as fake cannons to create the illusion of a heavily armed force, which led to the surrender of the Spanish troops.

With the theme “Celebrating Courage, Championing Progress – ASENSO BAGO!,” this year’s commemoration, according to Javellana, is a tribute to the courage, unity, and hope that live on in every Negrense.

“As we remember General Araneta’s legacy, let us also celebrate our unity, our love for one another, and our shared vision of a brighter, better Bago,” she said.

“With the challenges that we’re facing, we can be the new Tan Juans of Bago in our own special way,” she added.

Joining the mayor at the ceremony were Vice Mayor Andrew Martin Torres and councilors Victor Michael Javellana, Ma. Josefa Matti, Robert Javellana, Jake Patrick Torres, Ma. Femmy Alvarez-Martir, Jorge Araneta, Leonilo del Carmen, Imelda Precion, and Jom Somcio.

Also present were ABC President Jovito Gahaton, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Julianae Lavadia, city hall department heads, officials and representatives of various national government agencies, and descendants of General Juan Araneta.