To quote our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal: "In order to know the destiny of a people, it is necessary to open the book of its past". Agreeably, the Akeanons in Iloilo have to look back on how the organization metamorphosed into what it is today. The social hub of the Akeanon who came to Iloilo about 40 years back was the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Juanito T. Motus. It was in this place where the idea of fulfilling a felt-need – of pulling together as a group, was hatched in 1966. The group initially called itself the "Aklan Association". Not contented with it, and after a thorough deliberation, the name was finally changed to "Ro Akeanon" to sound and look distinct and truly native.
Amidst uncertainties and inherent obstacles in new generations, the persistence and determination of a few natives paid off. Salvacion and Potenciana Motus, Rosario Concepcion Enriquez, Avelina Magno, Illuminada Villa, Corazon Cuevas and Maria Motus, left no stones unturned to realize their dream of establishing an organization for Akeanons in Iloilo. Meetings and caucuses were held everywhere. Response was both warm and lukewarm until the firming up of the fledgling organization. As a result, the group established its first headquarter at the residence of Belen Magno. Judge Filiberto Imperial of the Court of First Instance of Iloilo, dubbed as the grand old man of Ro Akeanon, was elected as its 1st president who served the 1966-1968 term.
The birth of "Ro Akeanon" also brought the emergence of mutual understanding and closer relationships among Akeanons in Iloilo. More importantly, this strengthened the bond among them and crystallized their desire for community development having in mind the province of Aklan in general and the Akeanon in particular. The first anniversary of its founding was marked with a grand celebration which featured the selection of Ms. Amelia Meñez as its first Miss Aklan. During the second anniversary celebration Ms. Marietta Oquendo, likewise, reigned as Miss Aklan.
The changing of the guards in 1968 – 1970 saw Alfonso Rabuco, former manager of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank as the 2nd president. His term was marked with determination, selfless devotion to duty, and total support to the organization’s growth and development. Ponso, as he was popularly known, hosted the meetings and reunions of the members for free.
Leon Tirol, a director and proprietor of the Iloilo American Memorial School assumed as the 3rd president of "Ro Akeanon" in 1970 – 1972. During his incumbency, he bestowed honors to Akeanon members of the clergy. The Most Rev. Jaime L. Sin, then Archbishop of Jaro and later on, Cardinal and Archbishop of Manila and Msgr. Ciceron S. Tumbokon, former Rector of the Seminario Filipino in Rome, were honorees during one of the organization’s reunions. Leon and wife Fe were always the gracious hosts. The organization was always welcome in their home as well as in the use of the facilities of Iloilo American Memorial School as headquarter of "Ro Akeanon". After the late Leon joined his Maker, Fe was there to answer the financial and social needs of "Ro Akeanon" until her own demise.
The 4th president was Capt. Leonito Pador, then chief pilot of Iloilo Harbor in 1972 – 1974. His term saw a disruption of sorts – the proclamation of Martial Law, which necessitated the organization to suspend most of its activities. However, this hibernation did not deter the Akeanons to meet. Capt. Pador continued to hold meetings and entertain the members in his home and in his rest house in Villa.
Iloilo City Treasurer Romeo Manikan became the 5th president in 1975 – 1977. He was unable to serve his term in full due to his promotion and transfer to Cebu. Nevertheless, no vacuum in leadership occurred since his vice president, Col. Ernesto Oquendo, an equally competent Akeanon, assumed the responsibility. Hence, the fifth term was shared between the elected president and his vice president.
Iloilo City engineer, Engr. Fernando Imperial became the 6th president who served the 1979 – 1982 term. An achiever, Engr. Imperial was consistently voted one of the Ten Most Outstanding City Engineers of the Philippines for the years 1975 to 1978, and the Best City Engineer of the Country in 1983. Engr. Imperial was described as the "president with the mostest" having conceived the idea of giving awards to 15 outstanding Akeanons in Iloilo. The recipients of the initial awards were outstanding leaders led by Col. Renato T. Motus, then Chief of Staff of Leyte Philippine Constabulary and five others who were Akeanons by affinity, including the late Dr. Rex D. Drilon, first Filipino president of CPU.
Nanding, as he was intimately known was an epitome of "the man of the hour " who answered every call and need of the organization, thus, his reelection to a second term, which was highlighted by the giving of awards to eleven Best Achievers of Aklan. This magnificent eleven included among others Budget Minister Manuel S. Alba and Home Economics Supervisor Salvacion T. Motus, an author of books in Home Economics.
Dr. Avelino Morales became the 7th president having been elected in 1982 – 1984. He was then followed by Joseph Bohler, Jr., who became the 8th president in 1984 –1985. Both presidencies were marked with activities centered on member-needs and achievements. Dr. Morales was a Papal Awardee while Mr. Bohler distinguished himself in business. It was also during their terms as president of Ro Akeanon when student organizations evolved in several schools in Iloilo. "Ro Akeanon Circles" and "Ro Akeanon Student Organizations" at Central Philippine University (CPU), University of San Agustin (USA) and Western Institute of Technology (WIT) were organized which further enhanced the "Ro Akeanon" social calendar.
"Ro Akeanon" was never short of numerous achievements that are not only noteworthy but also laudable. One was a scholarship program for deserving Akeanons at the West Visayas College of Science and Technology and another was lending assistance to victims of typhoon Undang in the mid-1980’s, to name only a few.
The ascendancy of City Treasurer Romeo Manikan as the 9th president in 1993 – 1995 was truly remarkable. An achiever, Roming’s second term was marked with the true resurgence of "Ro Akeanon" spirit. He initiated new programs, undertook new projects, and was instrumental in giving aid to victims of natural calamities in our home province. He endeavored to pursue his vision and organizational goals, which benefited not just a few Akeanons.
The 10th president was Engr. Wilfredo Agustino, who served the 1995 – 1997 term. The leadership of Engr. Agustino, was marked by the rekindling of old ties and revival of numerous civic activities. As a person who rose from the ranks, Willy introduced innovations in organizational policies and put things in their proper perspective.
In the new millennium, Mrs. Ruth Tirol Jarantilla assumed the leadership of "Ro Akeanon" for the years 2000 – 2003. A very gracious lady with impeccable upbringing, she was also a successful entrepreneur – the president of the Socorro Drug Store and proprietress of the Boracay Sea Wind Resort, a preferred resort of dignitaries and venue of many international events. During Nang Ruth’s incumbency, the "Ro Akeanon experienced one of its best and memorable year and continued to grow and flourish as she focused on fostering cohesiveness and cooperation among members through her hosting of meetings and socials.
Director Wilfredo B. Agustino, then regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highway Region VI, was re-elected president for the year 2003 – 2006. He further enhanced the closeness and camaraderie among members by serving as willing host to the organization’s affairs and meetings. Dir. Agustino revitalized the organizational policies and introduced constructive projects that brought about benefits to the members of "Ro Akeanon" and to the Ilonggos as well.
"Ro Akeanon" story is never complete without mention of Dr. and Mrs. Salvador Sarabia, Sr. of the prestigious Sarabia Manor Hotel. The magnanimity of this couple in sharing their resources and in acting as gracious hosts of the most Akeanon activities, is worthy of emulation.
All told, we need great leaders for our home province Aklan, leaders like our past presidents and our incumbent president, Regional Director Jindra Linda L. Demetrio, with the wisdom and dynamism to improve the lot of Akeanons and keep the "Ro Akeanon" spirit alive. Additionally, it is noteworthy that Akeanons are in practically all fields of endeavors in the city and province of Iloilo. Many have distinguished themselves and assumed leadership positions in government service, education, science and technology, business and entrepreneurship, in the military, and even in religion. It is not possible to name all of them here but suffice it to say that a good number have served as regional directors and other positions of responsibility in both public and private sectors.
For "Ro Akeanon" to achieve greater heights in terms of serving to our home province, Aklan, and our second home, Iloilo, we shall continue to need men of vision with relentless drive for excellence, men who will inspire and lead us Akeanons in our march to greatness…/MP
By: the late Manuela M. Angayen and Gabriel M. Delfin
Revised by: Dr. Oseni Maribojo and Mrs. Emma Masigon Ingalla mailto:madyaas_pen@yahoo.com
1 comment:
I liked the way how to write your article. There a good atmosphere there, mostly at nightlife. Is it good facilities there in Boracay Sea Wind?
Tanya Gemarin
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