Introduction

 THE ILONGGO" NATION" MOVEMENT
(By: dinggol a. divinagracia- Dec.25,2005)

Introduction:

In observance of the 107th anniversary of the formal surrender of Spain to the heroic ilonggo revolutionarios at Plaza Libertad in Iloilo City on December 25, 1898; the Foundation Day celebration of the Ilonggo Nation Movement today in Clinton, Michigan, USA; and the birthday of Jesus Christ "Our Lord and Redeemer": this article is written as a tribute to the ilonggos, a proud and deeply religious people with rich and noble heritage.

Mga Kasimanwa:

The Ilonggo Nation of Western Visayas existed since 1214 up to the early 1900's. It has a seperate and distinct political set-up; its own culture, ethnic languages and traditions; history and aspirations. A proud race of noble heritage.

The Spaniards who colonized the archipelago for about 330 years were defeated and formally surrendered to the heroic ilonggo "Nation" revolutionarios at Bacolod Plaza in Negros Occidental on November 6, 1898 and at Plaza Libertad in Iloilo City on December 25, 1898.

Thus, supposed to signal the end of foreign sovereignty and domination.

Unfortunately, however, our leaders in the Federal Republic of the Visayas in Panay and in the Independent Federal Negros Republic had decided to merge our "Ilonggo Nation" with that of General Emilio Aguinaldo of Cavite to form a Revolutionary Government of the Philippines.

On Jan. 23,1899 saw the birth of the “First Filipino Republic” after its inauguration in Malolos, Bulacan. The first in Asia! The rest is history..

The “Ilonggo Nation Movement” with it's Banwa_Mo eNews bulletin .. a group organized in a bold attempt to resurrect our glorious past; redeem the lost prestige of the Ilonggos and hopefully create a force to reckon with; that perhaps, might deter perpetuators of the maladies that now confronts our people.

Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we shall wage this war not in the fields of battle but in cyberspace. The adversaries: not foreign invaders who trampled our sacred shores but a callous and undisciplined (ourselves included) society of apathy and injustice.

The main objective: to instill awareness worldwide; win the hearts and minds of ilonggos of today and generations to come; so that they, may be able to participate in the war against dismal poverty and landlessness due to greed of the oligarchy (the modern day ilustrados); despair and hopelessness due to graft and corruption in all levels of government; and the existence of the well entrenched Political Dynasties "Psuedo Royalties" of traditional politicians who controls "Perlas ng Silanganan" from "Katigulangan Kag Kaapohan"; that's the new "KKK" for you...

Bugtaw na Banwa! .. Pass this on! .. Madamo guid nga salamat!!

Western Visayas is located in Central Philippines and lies between two large bodies of water, namely, Sibuyan Sea and the Visayas Sea. The Region is composed of six provinces:

a. Aklan

b. Antique

c. Capiz

d. Iloilo

e. Negros Occidental

f. Guimaras

The Western Visayas region's land resources are devoted to agriculture. Sugar cane covers the majority of the areas of Negros Occidental and rain-fed or irrigated palay in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo and Guimaras.

The region's fishing grounds can produce a large variety of marine, fishery and aquaculture products. It is one of the major exporters of prawns, tuna, and other fish products in the whole country.

Western Visayas is rich in mineral and non-mineral resources. Metallic ore reserves found in the region include primary copper, iron, and pyrite.

The region is a good place for investment. The number one advantage of the region is fertile soil, which can grow a wide variety of agricultural commodities throughout the year.

Natural attractions like Boracay in Aklan and Guimaras Island make the region a major tourist destination. Its rich cultural heritage provides a microcosm of Philippine culture and heritage.

The region's ports and airports are well kept to facilitate and accommodate the inflow and outflow of commodities in the region. The deep natural harbor in the city of Iloilo has the potential to become a major gateway for the region's produce.

However, the region's greatest asset is its skilled manpower resource. With proper training and capability building, the people of the region can pave the way for industrial growth and expansion of Western Visayas..

 A REJOINDER:
The Ilonggo "Nation" Movement
(by: dinggol a. divinagracia)

GREETINGS!!!

At the risk of being called impertinent by our "kasimanwas" and misunderstood by the "kababayans"; the "Ilonggo Nation Movement" never intended nor entertained the idea of secession.

We envision a free and democratic society of a united Philippines, "The League of Filipino Nations" led by men and women of integrity and competence; idealistic and strong-willed; under any form of government acceptable to its citizens and composed of political and geographical set-up, viz:

I - MINDANAO

a) THE BANGSA MORO NATION; of our Muslim brothers exist because it is a "force to reckon with". United and determined to preserve their cultural and religious patrimony. The BANGSA MORO NATION must not be led by the "has beens" but by modern day "Salahdins".

b) THE CHRISTIAN MINDANAO NATION; "Land of Promise" aspiration that inspired the early settlers; the brave and adventurous ancestors of Christians in the south."TraPos" should never interfere in its leadership.

c) OTHERS, shall fall within respective jurisdiction of the above.

II- VISAYAS

a) THE ILONGGO NATION of Western Visayas; The Land where time began; the birth of the "Malayan Filipino" race. The cradle of ancient Filipino civilization.

b) THE CENTRAL VISAYAN NATION; Home of heroes; the brave "Lapu Lapu" and courageous "Dagohoy". With Cebu, as the "Seat of Central Government" for practical reasons and strategic location.

c) THE WARAY-WARAY NATION of Eastern Visayas; Battle-scarred history of daring people fighting unsurmountable odds against foreign aggressions, never ending social injustice and constant furies of nature.

III- LUZON

a) THE METRO MANILA(and its environs)as ONE NATION; with its seemingly uncontrollable Metropolis problems, might be decongested giving residents ample breathing spaces. Tondo, birthplace of the "Great Plebeian" Andres Bonifacio, a true National Hero. Awaiting another of his kind, but a little more alert on political "in-fighting".

b) THE CORDILLERA NATION; An autonomous region; now known as C.A.R. These undefeated highlanders of the north won their battles against outside intrusions and foreign subjugation. Thereby, preserving their identity as a people.

c) THE ILOKANO NATION; The frugal, industrious and indigenious people of Ilocandia, produced the likes of Diego and Gabriela Silang and other noble heroes. Contributed two of their illustrious sons to the presidency; Elpidio Quirino and Ferdinand Marcos. (We respect both who are departed)

d) THE CAGAYAN"VALLEY"NATION; We Salute! the good people of Isabela Province for their victory in the last Election. They proved that well-entrenched Political Dynasties, notwithstanding their three "G's" and political machineries could be defeated by a physically handicapped (polio stricken) but mentally competent young lady. With unity and determination change is possible.

May your tribe increase! and may your triumph set a precedent in many parts of the archipelago that are still under the strangelehold of conscienceless political dynasties.

e) THE CENTRAL LUZON NATION; Vast wealth concentrated to the elite-in-power who circumvented the laws to protect their vested interests. Hotbed of perennial agrarian conflicts caused by greed of the few at the expense of the many; the poor, suffering and landless farmers (deprived of their lands and dignity due to legal maneuvers). Desperate "Masa" willing to "kapit sa patalim" even to a Godless ideology just to breath a temporary sigh of relief.

From Tarlac, first woman president Corazon C. Aquino led a relatively bloodless EDSA-I revolt that created a new phrase in global dictionary; the famous "PEOPLE'S POWER REVOLUTION", emulated worldwide by freedom loving people under the yoke of tyrants. Sad to say, however, the famous event was followed by the infamous "Shame-and-Scandal-in-the-Family" because of the blatant anomalies of the "Kamag Anak, Incorporated" and amorous misadventures of some family members.

Pampanga produced "Father; Daughter" presidents.Nationalistic Diosdado Macapagal, poor boy from Lubao, became 9th President. During his term Philippines rank second among the economic giants of South East Asia. He revived "Philippine Independence Day" celebration to its proper date, 12th of June. President Diosdado Macapagal, is assured a revered page in Philippine history.

Incumbent President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Economist; trying hard to up-lift second to lowest economic rank of the country. Presently parrying inside the political boxing arena: the"Right hook" of the Rightist; the "Left hook" of the Leftist; the "Upper cut" of some Clergies; the "Lower cut" of the Estrada fans; the "Jab" of the jobless and "Straight punch" of Political Opposition and "TraPos". She is eagerly waiting to be saved by the bell by dancing the Cha-Cha. Otherwise, she might end-up in "TKO".

f) THE SOUTHERN TAGALOG NATION; To include both CALABARZON and (MIMAROPA-?). The first "Tagalog Nation" came into being when the group of Datu Puti settled the fertile banks of Batangas river(ilog). He left Panay Island to be ruled by Datu: Paiburong, Bangkaya and Sumakwel. Datu Puti, a Shri- Vijaya Sultanate Minister of Bornay (Borneo) went home to face uncertain fate.

Left behind to explore Luzon and the remaing islands were the six bornean tribes of Datu Dumansil,Dumalugdog, Balkasusa, Paduhinog, Balinsusa, and Lubay. Many great Filipino Patriots and Heroes descended from these equally great ancestors. Among them, Dr. Jose P. Rizal considered "The Pride of the Malayan Race"

g) THE BICOL NATION; Also suffered and sacrificed in the fight for freedom and democracy. Katipunan leaders Domingo Abella of Camarines Sur and Simon A. Ola of Albay, fought the foreign invaders. Simon Ola, last revolutionary leader to surrender to the Americans on September 5,1903. This is being disputed by Batanguenos who insist on Gen. Miguel Malvar.(Our opinion; both are correct; Ola-the Leader and Malvar-the General).

Bicolanos also honor the memories of anti-martial law martyrs of Camarines Sur; The young Jallores brothers, and many others. But most of all, Dr. Juan B. Escandor, cancer specialist of Sorsogon who died under mysterious circumstances on March 31, 1983.

We wish to share to our readers the homily delivered by Msgr. Angel Dy of the Sorsogon Diocese during the memorial services:

"FRIENDS, We honor the memory of Dr. Juan Barrameda Escandor, Johnny to others, Jerry to his friends. After years of painful effort, the reality of a "good life" was for him near at hand. Yet he chose to serve the toiling masses for he could not bear to enjoy life while his brothers cry in despair. He, like a thousand others, have been sacrificed in the altar of some men's ambitions. These merit the respect of the Filipino People. For even in the face of extreme provocation, monetary enticements, a seat in power, they remained true to their principles. They offered their lives, unbowed even in torture, a witness to the greatness of the human spirit".
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