Former Las Pinas Rep. Cynthia Villar yesterday described as “modern day heroes” local government units, non-government and people’s organizations, and individuals, who are working to provide livelihood opportunities and uplift the lives of the poor and marginalized sectors.

Villar who spoke at the 114th Cinco de Noviembre celebrations in the cities of Silay and Bago, Negros Occidental, said that while heroes of the revolutionary movement who staged an uprising against the Spaniards more than 100 years ago offered their lives for the freedom of Negrenses, there is a need to continue what they had started.

“Our revolution now is all about helping the poor and combat poverty,” Villar said, adding that, “We have to encourage people to be all heroes in a different sense, such as helping our people to overcome poverty.”

The cities of Bago and Silay, led by their mayors, Ramon Torres and Jose Montelibano, simultaneously marked the the 114th Cinco de Noviembre anniversary with various activities, attended by Vice-Governor Genaro Alvarez, former San Carlos City Mayor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Board Members Mae Javellana and Emilio Yulo III, among others.

The commemoration was held at the Cinco de Noviembre marker in Silay, and at the house of General Juan Araneta in Bago City.

Villar said she finds very interesting and touching the Cinco de Noviembre celebrations, that recall the “bloodless revolution” led by Generals Aniceto Lacson and Juan Araneta.

Villar, who is running for senator under the coalition of Liberal- Nacionalista-Nationalists People’s Coalition parties, said the culture and traditions of the Negrenses of more than a century ago, are being brought back.

Montelibano also stressed the need to preserve the gains of what the forefathers of Silaynons did

Torres called the event the “festive celebration of victory and freedom” as the people, not only of Bago, but the entire province, bring back the heroism of their forefathers during the 1898 Negros revolt.*GPB

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