The Modern Day Hero of Antique Province in the Philippines

The Modern Day Hero of Antique Province in the Philippines

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - February 11, 2019)

“A tribute to Antique Governor Evelio Bellaflor Javier, in commemoration of his 33rd death anniversary that is being observed today and every February 11th since 1987 as a special non-working public holiday in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Iloilo” --dinggol.d~~~

The brutal slaying of Governor Evelio Bellaflor Javier, the young Provincial Governor of Antique in the southwestern part of the Philippines was truly the spark that ignited the world famous EDSA-I People's Power Revolution in 1986.

Three (3) long years had already passed since political opposition leader Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino's assassination; and due to controlled military, suppressed media plus the inherent "Bahala Na" attitude of Filipinos, the sentimental massive outburst and strong public outrage of Ninoy's brutal slaying had obviously simmered down and his martyrdom relegated to the dustbin of history.

Then on the 11th of February 1986, the incumbent Governor of Antique was assassinated outside the Provincial Capitol in San Jose. The impunity with which opposition Governor Evelio Javier's public execution was carried out in broad daylight, in plain view of his constituents by the butchers in the military establishment was too much to bear. Thereafter, the Filipino people's cry "Tama Na! Sobra Na!" was heard loud and clear from Aparri in the north to Tawi-Tawi in the south.

A few idealistic young active officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) could no longer swallow the series of despicable acts and wanted reform with concrete radical action. The Reform the AFP Movement (RAM) headed by Jose Almonte and led by Gringo Honasan of Sorsogon, Tito Legaspi, Rey Rivera, Eduardo “Red” Kapunan of Capiz; Rex Robles, Hector Tarrazona and Billy Bebit of Iloilo, Victor Batac of Bohol, and other RAM boys planned to attack and takeover Malacañang.

Just two weeks after Ilonggo Gov. Evelio B. Javier of Antique was slain and as God wills it! --another Ilonggo, a prelate from Aklan named Jaime Cardinal Sin would instigate a relatively bloodless "People's Power Revolution" that ultimately toppled an allegedly ruthless regime and created a new phrase in the dictionary and was emulated by freedom loving people under the yoke of tyrants in other parts of the world. ~~~

Memorial statue to honor Gov. Evelio Javier at the EBJ Freedom Park in San Jose, capital of the province of Antique, Philippines. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Coal-fired Power Plant in Ingore

The Coal-fired Power Plant in Ingore

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - February 4, 2019)

“The first coal fired power plant in all of Panay Island and the whole Western Visayas was built and started operation sometime in 2010 at Barangay Ingore in Lapaz, Iloilo City.” --dinggol.d~~~

Flashback - April, 2008

At the height of the controversy regarding the proposed Coal Plant Project in Barangay Ingore at Lapaz in Iloilo City; "Ang Pungsod Ilonggo", the Ilonggo Nation Movement's (INM) eNewsletter published an article "STOP COAL PLANT! ... OR ELSE!".

INM's Iloilo City connections, likewise, even printed hard copies for circulation and coordinated with several groups opposed to its operation that they perceived to be more of a liability rather than an asset. Other more safer alternatives were offered to serve the same purpose.

Nonetheless, the proponents were able to bulldozed the project's approval and operation to allegedly solve the continues irritating brown-outs and so as not to hinder Iloilo’s progress. However, many believed that there were million of reasons in peso proportion involved that is badly needed for the then forthcoming political calisthenics. But we doubt this allegation, since the young City Officials directly conniving with the suppliers and financiers were trusted by the Ilonggos and were duly elected to higher levels in their elective positions.

Today, this Ingore Project is in the headlines again, because of continues foul odors coming from this coal power plant that reach far and wide; not only objectionable but certainly hazardous to the health and adversely affects the well being of residents within the vicinity.

Here's a copy of the article:

STOP COAL PLANTS ... OR ELSE!

EPITAPH OF ILOILO 

(Ni Agurang Rebohan-INM Iloilo City- Abril 3, 2008)

Here, lies Iloilo, where once upon a time a cheerful, creative and charming people lived enjoying its bountiful natural resources. The beauty of iloilo slowly and painfully faded away. The rich blue color of the waters turned black, the fresh air became poisonous, the crops and delightful marine sanctuaries were destroyed, and the once rich agricultural lands lay parched and bare.

It was two decades ago, that the City government allowed Panay Power Corporaton - Metro Bank to install the coal fired power plants in Iloilo City. They said that it was "for the betterment and progress of Iloilo" because coal power plants will address electricity shortages, lower the cost of electricity and bring in investment to Iloilo. Investments came but more on the pollutive types with strip mining at the forefront in Guimaras island and in Northern Iloilo.

When the coal power plants started operations, seawater immediately intruded in the aquifers causing severe water crises in Metro Iloilo. Fishponds made unproductive with ash falls, fish fries became scarce and fish catch suffered when the seawater around the power plants heated up by about 3 degrees Celsius. Acid mists are constantly felt in the surrounding communities of the power plants.

The cost of electricity never went down, it even shoot up when the price of coal and freight tripled in less than 5 years. Power blackouts are now common because of problems in sourcing supply as Australia and Indonesia drastically cut their coal exports.

Seawater rose and much of the City is constantly inundated with dengue and other vector borne diseases claiming thousand of lives every year. Climate has been unpredictable with heavy rainfall causing flash floods and landslides and ultra-strong typhoons damaging homes and infrastructures.

Health advisories have been issued against eating fish, seashells and other marine products because of high levels of mercury, lead and other heavy metals contamination. Cancer, heart and lung ailments are now widespread with early and unexplained death common to every family in Iloilo. Children are observed with learning disabilities and psychiatric problems rampant.

Woe to the generation that allowed the establishment of the coal-fired power plants, why did they allow this monstrosity to happen? Why were their leaders so selfish and uncaring that they sacrificed Iloilo to ruthless growth?

Here lies Iloilo, abandoned and forgotten. A once proud and noble people but their leaders have forsaken them. ~~~

Celebrating Candelaria in California

Celebrating Candelaria in California

(By: DinggolAranetaDivinagracia - January 30, 2019)

“The annual fiesta of Jaro in Iloilo City, Philippines every 2nd day of February to honor it’s Patroness, La Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is said to be one of the biggest religious celebrations in the Philippines as it delivers not only solemnity but also splendor and mystery.

On September 21, 1982, His Holiness Pope John Paul II during his papal visit in Iloilo City, proclaimed Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Patroness of the whole Western Visayas.” --dinggol.d~~~

Flashback:

Three (3) years ago today, on January 30, 2016, officers and members of the Ilonggo Association of Southern California (IASC), Inc. spearheaded by the incumbent Prexy Freddie B. Abadiano and President-elect Ms. Maribelle Montilla, joined the Ilonggos of Jaro, Iloilo City who are now all residing in California. The affair was to celebrate the famous annual fiesta in honor of Jaro-Iloilo Patroness Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria that falls every 2nd day in the month of February.

The ecclesiastical portion began with a solemn novena and offering of the holy mass at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Artesia, California that ended with a procession.

Thereafter, a sumptuous lunch buffet of mostly Iloilo cuisine and delicacies followed with songs and entertainment and even with the raffle of prizes. Likewise, ball room dancing to the tune of the old time favorites filled the air at the Social Hall of the parish.

The Jareños who are devoted to facilitate the celebration to honor the Patroness of Jaro every year included; Ivonne J. Peñaredondo, Archie Jardeleza, Jeffrey de Toro, Charette Jardeleza, Majella Celis-Zubieta, Manuel Jardeleza, Neneng Pastolero, Monette Rivas, Merci Jalandoni, Sweet Hofileña, Sally Peralta, Perla Soriano, Anabelle Rodriguez, Tonette Alipio and others.

The Ilonggo Nation Grupo (San Diego) CA, was represented by Rene “Monoy” and Sweet Jison Hofeliña with yours truly. The group donated fresh fruits of the season to share with their Ilonggo “Kasimanwas”.

In photo are the IASC, Inc. officers and members who participated in this Socio-Religious activity; seated (L-R): Marietta Bacalla, Jem Zaragoza, Erlyn Zaragoza, Corrie Del Rosario Miraflores , Maripaz Vergara, Mimi Lavado and Maribelle Montilla. At rear: Rosemarie Chua, Minda Mallon, Ric Mallon, Butch Zaragoza, Dinggol Divinagracia and Sonny Pison. Freddie Abadiano (not in photo)

During this event, Dinggol Araneta Divinagracia and Donato "Sonny" Fuentes Pison --two close friends, drinking buddies and former housemates at Piy Margal Street near U.S.T. in Manila, meet again after almost 53 years. YES! CINCUENTA Y TRES AÑOS! ... Hamak mo ran Banwa! Mga soltero verdadero pa sanda sadtong mga panahon, apang kar-on mga gurang ron! . . . Harakhak!!! ~~~