ANTIQUE — Four decades after the assassination of former Antique Governor Evelio B. Javier, provincial leaders used this year’s commemoration to urge Antiqueños to uphold the democratic values he gave his life defending.
Evelio B. Javier Day, observed every Feb. 11 under Republic Act No. 7601, is a special non-working holiday in Antique, Capiz, Aklan, and Iloilo. The annual observance honors Javier’s life and his pivotal role in the struggle against dictatorship in the mid-1980s.
In his message, Antique Gov. Paolo Everardo S. Javier said the occasion goes beyond recalling a tragic chapter in local history. He stressed that his uncle’s legacy rests not on the position he once held, but on the ideals he championed — democracy, justice, and sincere public service. Leadership, he said, must always be anchored in accountability and moral courage, especially during difficult times.
The governor called on residents to recommit themselves to honesty over fear and unity over division, saying the truest way to honor Javier’s memory is to practice integrity in daily civic life.
Former Governor Sally Perez, who delivered a speech marking the 40th death anniversary, reflected on the political climate surrounding Javier’s assassination on Feb. 11, 1986. She described him as a leader who refused to be intimidated at a time when silence was safer and dissent carried grave risks, noting that the Supreme Court had recognized him as a hero who spoke out against tyranny while many others remained quiet.
“He did not carry a weapon,” Perez said, “but he fought for freedom with conviction.” She added that although Javier did not live to see the restoration of democracy weeks later, his steadfast stand helped bring that moment closer.
Perez also shared personal memories of Javier’s connection with ordinary Antiqueños — farmers, vendors, and families who saw in him a leader who listened and cared. His death, she said, shocked the province but also exposed the injustices of the time.
Both speakers emphasized that the anniversary should serve as a renewal of responsibility. Perez noted that the question is no longer whether Javier had courage, but whether the present generation will show the same resolve when confronted with challenges to truth and justice.
As Antique marked 40 years since Javier’s assassination, officials and residents were reminded that his legacy is not confined to history books, but lives on in the ongoing pursuit of principled governance in the province./PN
