Gloria ‘takes 2’ on Aklan Day

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

For the second time in four years, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is the guest of honor in the founding anniversary of Aklan as an independent province.
Aklan was officially created as a distinct province from Capiz after President Ramon Magsaysay signed the Republic Act 1414 on April 25, 1956.
The Act was sponsored by Cong. Godofredo P. Ramos, hailed as the “Father of Aklan.”
In 2002, Arroyo graced the 46th anniversary at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex during the incumbency of former three-termer governor Florencio Miraflores.
Arroyo said Aklan is one of the best tourist destinations because it has world-class beaches, exciting caves and colorful festivals.
Aside from these, Aklan also has abundant agricultural products and highly competitive marine products.
“Let this anniversary (46th year) celebration be the start of our renewed effort to broaden the horizons of peace, progress and unity. And we thank Aklan because you have given Boracay to the entire Philippines,” said Arroyo in her speech on April 25, 2002.
In this year’s anniversary, the President will inaugurate the P139-million World Bank-financed second level referral (non-teaching) Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital.
Arroyo also led the groundbreaking rites of the multi-million Shangri-La resort in Boracay Island on April 2005 and graced the celebration of the famous Kalibo Señor Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan festival on January 14, 2006.
Cong. Jose Alba-Urquiola and Eufronio Alba of the 2nd and 3rd Districts of Capiz were among the first Aklan leaders who presented a bill for the separation of Aklan from Capiz in 1920; however, many politically influential Capizeños were against them.
It was later renamed as Urquiola-Pastrana when Alba lost on Pastrana’s protest against the election of Alba. In 1925, Cong. Manuel Laserna and Teodulfo Suñer in 1930 tried to seek the separation of Aklan from Capiz but this also proved futile.
In 1934, Cong. Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon of the 3rd District also introduced a separation bill and successfully secured the approval of the Committee on Provincial and Municipal Governments after the due hearings. But he failed to push through in November of 1934 due to lack of time.