On Compostela's 88th founding anniversary, for one

First off, one is now on a crap diet for his inexcusable blunder of "killing" the "very much alive and well" Cebu guerilla movement hero, Col. Manuel Segura, in one's previous piece. His son Ted Segura is well justified for raising his hackles over such faux pas that one's sincere mea culpa may still leave a bad taste in the mouth.

Ironically timely, Col. Segura's graphic accounts of the battle in Guila-guila, Compostela during World War II on March 5, 1943 (in his wartime historical book "Tabunan", the Cebu guerilla GHQ) were cited during the unveiling program on January 17, 2007 of the marker in honor of the late Col. Fabian M. Sanchez and his brave guerilla fighters.

The ceremonial rite at the battle site was part of the 88th founding anniversary of Compostela town which got weaned from Liloan in 1919, with the late venerable Hilario "No Ayong" Kanen as its first mayor. His daughters Perla and Jovita were around as floral wreaths were offered at his statue fronting the municipal building. Incidentally, another venerable former Compostela mayor, the late Mayor Alfonso "Papa Noning" Alfonso, was represented by his amiable daughter, Inday Soledad Alfonso Gabutan.

One came at the invitation of Sister Merced Sanchez, ICM of St. Theresa's College Cebu, who attended the historical occasion. With her were her brother Dr. Gualbert Sanchez, a Colonel of the US Air Force who spoke a poignant response, sisters Emma Sanchez Lozada and hubby Vicente Lozada, a NASA engineer, Evelyn Sanchez, and their other kin. Another son of "Ingko Biyan" Sanchez who couldn't make it is Col. Alexander Sanchez of the Philippine Air Force.

Other guests were Cong. Red Durano who paid tribute to the freedom fighters, and Cebu PB Member Agnes Magpale who, incidentally, was so touched during the heroes' marker unveiling, and upon mention of her auntie nurse "Na Penang" Durano Sanchez, also cited in Col. Segura's "Tabunan". PB Member Magpale who represented Gov. Gwen Garcia, got loud applause as she made an initial pledge of P50T for the writing of a book on the town history.

The local officialdom was led by still spry Mayor Tony M. Dangoy and active VM Joy Abing. Except for ailing Leo Sanchez, one saw municipal councilors Cocoy Reynes, Joel Quiño, Dodong Luna, Pepe Paradiang and Pare Joe Cagang; the municipal employees led by SB secretary Helga Canen and the mayor's Girl Friday, Fe Lawas; the barangay officials; former VM Toting Castro, and former councilors Elias Canen and Edgar Paradiang.

Obviously, this was the first elaborate commemoration of the town's founding for which its prime movers deserve kudos. Uncannily, the homily of the officiating priest during the mass was apt and timely, thus: "Ang tawong malimot sa iyang guigikanan dili makakab-ut sa iyang gipangandoy nga padulngan". This was the same theme in one's previous piece "Reunion in Memoriam" to titillate Mandauehanons to honor their worthy forebears.

Indeed, it's gloriously gratifying that in her brief message, the ever-amiable PB member revealed the provincial government's thrust for every town to commemorate and perpetuate grassroots historical and cultural heritage through the years. Verily, "angay ug matarung gayud", to borrow Madam Agnes' phrase, to honor local achievers, say, wartime heroes Sgt. and later police chief Marcos Castro, Antero Tapayan, Aldiano Calva, and also late Mayor 'No Demok Reynes. Past local figures, like, all deceased mayors and officials, or other ordinary citizens who have had a hand in shaping the local past history, equally deserve recognition.

This is the least that the living can do to consecrate and perpetuate the memory of their forefathers, that is, as a way of doing right to the community and cultural patrimony.

As this column began with an apology to a living hero in Col. Manuel Segura, one ends with a repeat for the blunder of the word "late" which, nevertheless, neither detracted one's respect and admiration for him, nor to be taken as an unwise ill-wish at all.

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