Shrines of 5 Ilocano heroes added in ‘Heroes Walk’

HISTORICAL NOTES

Freddie G. Lazaro

LAOAG CITY -- – The shrines of five Ilocano heroes were formally inaugurated in simple rites at the Heroes Walk along Sirib Mile in the Centennial Arena here last week.

The five shrines composed the second batch of monuments constructed in the “Heroes Walk” and were added to the first nine statues of heroes standing at the site. The monuments of the first batch of the Ilocos Norte heroes were unveiled on Dec. 5, 2013.

Gov. Imee Marcos and City Mayor Chevylle Fariñas cut the ceremonial ribbon for the formal opening of the second batch’s inauguration.

The newly- unveiled Ilocano heroes’ shrines were those of Pedro Bukaneg, father of Ilocano literature; Pedro Mateo and Saralogo Ambaristo, leaders of the Basi Revolt 1807; Valentin Diaz, treasurer and co-founder of the Katipunan; and Jacinto Caoili, poet and author of famous literary works such as ‘Pasyon’ and ‘Urbana at Felisa.

The first batch of statues at the Ilocano Heroes Walk was inaugurated through the initiative of Gov. Marcos last December as part of the celebration of the “Tan-ok ni Ilocano Festival of Festivals.”

The heroes’ statues are those of  former President Ferdinand Marcos;  Gregorio Aglipay, founder of the Philippine Independent Church;  Josefa Llanes Escoda, founder of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines;  General Artemio Ricarte, father of the Philippine Army;  Juan Luna, the first global Filipino painter;  General Antonio Luna, general of the Revolution and founder of the Philippine Military Academy;  Teofilo Yldefonso, first Philippine Olympian;  Anastacia Giron Tupaz, founder of the Philippine Nursing Profession;  and Severino Montano, a nationalist playwright.

“It is time to create new Ilocano heroes and the best step is to begin empowering the youth,” said Marcos. She encouraged the youth to unleash their heroic potentials, lead transformation in the province and make their own immense contribution for Ilocos Norte and the whole world.