STA. BARBARA, Iloilo, Philippines — The remains of Ilonggo revolutionary hero and Iloilo province’s first Filipino governor, Gen. Martin Delgado, was re-entombed in Sta. Barbara town. Delgado’s remains were transferred from the public cemetery and laid underneath a statue erected in his memory at the heart of the town plaza on Saturday, November 12.

The activity highlights the 113th commemoration of the Cry of Sta. Barbara, an event during which it is believed that the first Philippine flag was raised outside of Luzon during the 1898 Philippine revolt against Spanish colonial rule in 1898.

For Delgado descendant Martin Lucio Delgado, the re-entombment of his ancestor, which also marks the hero’s 153rd birth anniversary and 93rd death anniversary, honors his memory and recognizes his courage and heroism.

“There is now public acknowledgement of his worth and significance, even amongst people who pass by his statue daily who used to be unaware of who he is and his background,” the hero’s descendant said, while also noting that General Delgado’s re-entombment should raise awareness among the younger generation of the pivotal role he played in the country and province’s history. General Delgado was instrumental on the part of the Visayas during aforesaid 1898 Philippine Revolution as well as in resisting subsequent American colonization.

Iloilo Provincial Board Member Historian Demy Sonza, who is a member of the Iloilo Provincial Board, echoed the younger Delgado’s sentiments.

“In our life, we may not be able to do something spectacular, but what we can do is be aware of our past and honor those who struggled for our freedom,” said Sonza.

Delgado was born on November 11, 1858 and died on November 12, 1918 in Culion, Palawan where he was a superintendent of the leper colony at the time of his passing.