Tanco spoke at Pagpadungog, a program that recognized modern-day heroes and showcased culture in Aklan, during the province’s 58th anniversary on April 25.
“For the past 58 years, your leaders have worked so hard for the stability and growth of your province,” said Tanco. “Today, Aklan is one of the fast-growing provinces in the region and the country.”
Before becoming an independent province on April 25, 1956, Aklan belonged to one province with Capiz. “We were one people. We shared the same history, aspirations and leaders,” Tanco said.
Separating from Capiz, however, was “the best decision for Aklan and its people,” stressed the Capiz governor.
“All these were made possible because your leaders have the political will to do only what is best for your province,” he said. And “the Aklanons’ deep-seated love for Aklan (made) it what it is today.”
Aside from Tanco, gracing the Pagpadungog were Gov. Florencio Miraflores, Vice Gov. Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo and Cong. Teodorico Haresco Jr. of Aklan; former senator Nikki Coseteng; and Vicky Ramos-Antonino, daughter of the late Cong. Godofredo Peralta Ramos, known as the “Father of Aklan.”
The event also acknowledged the donors and volunteers who helped Aklan recover from the impact of super typhoon “Yolanda.”
Tanco, whose province was also ravaged by “Yolanda,” congratulated the Aklanons for not allowing the typhoon to quell their spirit and faith.
“Your heroism and generosity during those trying times,” he said, “are commendable and noteworthy.”
Tanco said Aklan and Capiz share many things in common, like their natural bounties and their people’s ingenuousness, resourcefulness, industry and resilience.
“We are here to renew [our] relationship and strengthen [our] solidarity and partnership,” he said. “We will continue to support and work with each other as we aspire for the economic progress of [our] provinces to improve the lives of our people.”
On April 25, 1956, then President Ramon Magsaysay signed Republic Act 1414, which provides for Aklan’s separation from Capiz. April 25 of every year had since been a special nonworking holiday in Aklan. (BOY RYAN B. ZABAL/Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
