APIOA Honors Jose “Soñing” Tumbokon

by TERENCE T. TORIANO

Minister Jose Tumbokon and Kalibo Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo

Posterity pose for APIOA officers, members, guests, and former Minister of State for Public Information Jose Tumbokon and wife, Lilia Tumbokon. Chita Heap, Atty. Ronquillo Tolentino, Minister Jose Tumbokon, Lilia Tumbokon, Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo, SP members Ramon Gelito and Wilbert Igoy. Judith Tindog, Sumra Dela Cruz Rojo, Marcela Tinagan, Deana Ruiz, Venus Villanueva, Carmelo Orbista, Edwin Pelayo, Nelson Neon, Conrad Indelible, APIOA President Maribel Tolentino, Ulysses Espartero, Edwin Ramos, Terence Toriano and Leopoldo Sanchez, Jr.

The Aklan Public Information Officers Association (APIOA) in its foundation day honors former Assemblyman and Minister of State for Public Information, Jose Soñing Tumbokon. A Tribute to the National Spokesman for the Filipino was held at the Museo it Akean (Museum of Aklan) on April 23, 2009 dubbed "Pag-ulingod.

Vintage publications, memorabilia and photo-graphs by Tumbokon were exhibited at the Museo it Akean for public viewing.

The occasion was graced by important personalities like sang-guniang panlalawigan members Ramon Gelito and Wilbert Igoy, provincial administrator Atty. Diego M. Luces, Atty. Ronquillo Tolentino, and Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo.

Jose "Soñing" Tumbokon served as Minister of State for Public Information under the parliamentary system of government during Pres. Ferdinand Marcos’ administration. He authored several books, served as spokesman for the government and the "Kilusang Bagong Lipunan" and represented the Philippines to several fora abroad.

The tribute is conducted in support with the Municipality of Kalibo’s thrust to honor local patriots and martyrs. /MP