ILOILO — Work and classes across Western Visayas were suspended today, February 11, as the region observed the 40th death anniversary of the late Antique Governor Evelio B. Javier, declared a special non-working public holiday.
The observance covered the provinces of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo, in accordance with Republic Act No. 7601, signed by former President Corazon Aquino on June 3, 1992, declaring February 11 of every year as Evelio B. Javier Day.
In Antique, the provincial government prepared a series of activities to commemorate the anniversary, with the main program held at the EBJ Freedom Park in San Jose de Buenavista at 8 a.m.
Governor Paolo S. Javier encouraged government employees and residents to take part in the commemoration to honor the legacy, heroism, and sacrifice of the late governor, whose leadership helped shape the province’s democratic ideals and history.
The day’s activities began with a Pamukaw at 4:30 a.m., followed by a Eucharistic celebration at 6 a.m., a floral offering and candle lighting at the public cemetery at 7:15 a.m., and the official tribute program at the EBJ Freedom Park.
The program featured welcome remarks by Hon. Zoilo Bernardo Tubianosa; tribute messages from Oscar Maghari, Jose Ira Villanueva, and Rodolfo Caberoy; a cultural performance titled Sinyas ni Beloy by Sanny Rubido and the Maragtad Dancers; additional tributes from Carls Faith Aquino and former Governor Sally Perez; and a Panawagan by Engr. Bernie Salcedo.
Messages were also delivered by Gideon Everardo Javier, Gov. Paolo Javier, Antique Lone District Rep. AA Legarda, Senator Loren Legarda, and Senator Bam Aquino, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
A prayer vigil was held at the EBJ Freedom Park at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, January 10.
Beyond the anniversary rites, the Antique provincial government rolled out a province-wide symposium titled “Paghanduraw sa Baganihan,” aimed at educating the public—especially the youth—about Javier’s life, ideals, and legacy.
Paghanduraw sa Baganihan revisits the life of Evelio B. Javier, fondly known as “EBJ” or “Beloy.”
“My uncle dedicated his life to the people of Antique. Through Paghanduraw sa Baganihan, we continue to remind everyone that his advocacy for truth and service must be carried on,” Gov. Javier said.
According to Celestino Dalumpines IV, Volunteer Tourism Coordinator of the Office of the Provincial Tourism Officer, the symposium is being conducted in partnership with the Department of Education and brought to schools in all 18 municipalities of Antique.
“Based on our study, 93 percent of respondents expressed interest in knowing who Evelio Javier was. That is why we developed this program,” Dalumpines said.
The symposium began in January 2026 in the municipalities of Anini-y and Tobias Fornier and will continue in other towns until March. Speakers include close friends and confidants of the late governor, such as Engr. Bernie Salcedo, Engr. Efren Esclavilla, and Rodolfo J. Caberoy.
The program concludes with a stage theatrical presentation of “Pagpasad ka Binirayan,” which recounts the story of the ten Bornean datus who settled in Antique. The production, performed by the Maragtas Team, is one of the enduring cultural legacies associated with Javier’s leadership, along with the Binirayan Festival.
Tree-planting activities will also be conducted in selected schools in line with Javier’s advocacy for sustainable development, echoing his landmark Antique Upland Development Program (AUDP).
Born on October 14, 1942, Javier was a lawyer, civil servant, and politician who served as governor of Antique from 1971 to 1980. He was assassinated in the plaza of San Jose de Buenavista in 1986, four days after the snap elections. He was widely known as the “champion of the poor.”
Javier is remembered for his well-known Kinaray-a quote: “Ang pulitika bukot burugasan, bukot paranubli-un,” which means, “Politics is not a livelihood nor an inheritance.”/PN
