By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led this year’s Cinco de Noviembre observance yesterday morning at the Capitol Park and Lagoon in Bacolod City. During his speech, the governor said, “In every nation, there is a story to tell and, in the Philippines, since its an archipelago, every island has its own story too.”
For Negrenses, Lacson called Cinco de Noviembre “the island’s story” and pointed out its uniqueness in terms of war as it was won with a bluff.
“Today, we remember the patriotism, bravery, courage, grit, and extraordinary strategy of General Juan Araneta and General Aniceto Lacson in leading thousands of Negrenses in this most historic bloodless revolt to freedom,” he noted.
The governor also recalled how the revolution was won through the use of fake arms and cannons, which he said, “Still amazes both the storyteller and the listener.”
Aside from the festivities, Lacson also honored Negrense centenarians, whom he called “the true Negrense treasures” as they serve as “a bridge between the past and the future.”
The governor also led the distribution of the cash benefits to the 33 centenarians. Each beneficiary received P100,000.
Also present for the event were Board Members Agustin Ernesto Bascon, Manuel Frederick Ko, Victor Javellana, Jeffrey Tubola, and Sixto Guanzon; provincial administrator, Atty. Rayfrando Diaz; along with members of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, civil society organizations, and non-government organizations./DGB, WDJ