• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City marked the 128th anniversary of the historic Spanish surrender, with a commemorative program Nov. 6, at the public plaza.
The event, which honored the signing of the Acta de Capitulación on Nov. 6, 1898, was organized by the Bacolod Arts, Cultural, and Heritage Inc. (BACH), led by its president Sandy Solinap.
On that day 128 years ago, the Spanish colonial ruler formally surrendered to Negrense revolutionaries at the residence of Don José Ruiz de Luzuriaga, now the site of the Fountain of Justice, following the bloodless Al Cinco de Noviembre.
Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr., chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on History, called on Negrenses to draw strength from their ancestors, who forced the capitulation through unity and ingenuity.
“Aside from the fact that this day is very sensitive and precious, it also marks a historical and defining moment for the Negrosanon and Bacolodnons to gain our independence,” Gamboa said.
The event featured the official turnover of artist Kyle Jocson’s mural titled “November 6, 1898”, marking the first donated artwork intended for the still being constructed Bacolod Museum.
“I hope this mural will remind us of how brave Negrosanon can be if we stand up and fight for our ground,” Jocson said. | TMD
