BURGOS, Ilocos Sur, Philippines — Local officials and residents in this upland town of Ilocos Sur led by Mayor Riolita Balbalan commemorated Friday the 140th death anniversary of martyr priest, Father Jose A. Burgos.

The tribute to Fr. Burgos coincided with the annual fiesta celebration of Burgos town with Ilocos Sur’s Vice Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano as guest of honor and speaker.

“Every 17th day of February is a very significant day in our town of Burgos because this is the death anniversary of our martyr priest Father Jose Burgos in which the name of our town is derived from him,” Balbalan said as she led the mass and floral offering at Burgos’ statue.

Burgos had established a reputation as a defender of the native clergy. His debates over the rights of native priests had extended to include questions of race and nationalism. This reputation would eventually cause him to be implicated in a mutiny in Cavite.

Meanwhile, the death anniversary of Fr. Burgos was also commemorated in several towns in the country named in his honor such as Burgos, Ilocos Sur; Burgos, Ilocos Norte; Burgos, La Union; Burgos, Pangasinan; Burgos, Surigao del Norte; Padre Burgos, Quezon; and Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte.