100th Birthday of the Father of Aklan

Former Assemblyman Jose Tumbokon extolling the life and works of the late Godofredo P. Ramos, Ms. Vicky Ramos-Antonino giving her response for the honor being bestowed upon her late father, and Hon. Selwyn Ibarreta delivering a speech in behalf of Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez

The Centennial Birthday of the Father of Aklan, the late Congressman, Governor, and Justice of the Court of Appeals Godofredo P. Ramos was officially launched on Monday, November 8. The launching was spearheaded by the Aklan Historical and Cultural Society, Inc. with its president, former vice provincial governor Ronquillo C. Tolentino.

At 7:30 o’clock in the morning, a holy sacrifice of the mass was held at St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Kalibo. The holy mass over, wreath laying followed at the GPR Park, Provincial Capitol Ground, Kalibo, Aklan. The official launching program of the Birth Centennial of Godofredo Peralta Ramos followed in the Museo It Akean, Poblacion, Kalibo.

Ms. Marcelo R. Tinagan led in the invocation and Mr. Uziel Adores, the Philippines National Anthem.

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino, in his opening remarks, underscored the importance of the launching program and the historical significance of the occasion to the province of Aklan and the Aklanons.

In his testimonial speech, Atty. Plaridel M. Morania reviewed the milestones of the life of the late Justice Godofredo P. Ramos and his significant and important contributions not only in the development of Aklan but the Philippines in general. Morania cited how Ramos worked for the approval of the law separating Aklan as a distinct province from Capiz.

Republic Act 1414 provided for the separation of Aklan from Capiz authored by Cong. Ramos was approved in 1956. Morania also cited the role of Ramos in the Philippines’ Sabah claim which until today is pending action in the International Court of Justice of the United Nations.

Former Assemblyman Jose T. Tumbokon talked about the lucrative law practice of Justice Ramos and his entry to Aklan politics. Tumbokon talked also how did he arrived to a decision to name the Regional Trial Court Building in Kalibo: Godofredo P. Ramos Hall of Justice Bldg.

Governor Carlito S. Marquez was out of town and was unable to attend the launching program. He was however, ably represented by Hon. Selwyn Ibarreta.

Hon. Emmanuel Soviet Russia Dela Cruz, Kalibo SB member presented the various activities during the Centennial celebration (Nov. 8, 2010 – Nov. 8, 2011).

In behalf of the Ramos family, his most illustrious daughter, Ms. Victoria Ramos Antonino gave the response. She sincerely thanked the Aklan Historical and Cultural Society for its initiative in honoring her beloved father, the late Justice of the Court of Appeals, Governor and Congressman of Aklan. /MP