Kalibo’s New Marker Draws Criticism Than Goodwill

Above is the imposing edifice Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo calls it "PLAZOLETA" Banawa Ni Datu Bangkaya. The place is a portion of Arch. Gabriel M. Reyes St. Is there an imprimatur from the Kalibo SB and other offices concerned for the construction and naming the area Plazoleta?

The man standing (right) appears to be Datu Bangkaya with his right hand raising the Sr. Sto. Niño in front of the Kalibo Pilot Elementary School rotunda. Was Bangkaya living during the arrival of the Spaniards?

The rotunda in front of the Kalibo Pilot Elementary School sports a new concrete marker titled, "Plazoleta, Banawa ni Datu Bangkaya." This 20 foot tree stump design structure towers over the middle portion of Arch. Gabriel M. Reyes St., leading to Pastrana Park, Kalibo Cathedral, Aklan Catholic College, St. Gabrielle Hospital and several commercial establishments.

While the structure does not carry any image, the name Banawa ni Datu Bangkaya symbolizes imperialism and dominance. Their oppressive and warlike nature was so pervasive (Rajahs Suliman, Sikatuna and Lakandula) that they rivaled Spain’s colonization for almost 400 years. Even the defunct Code of Kalantiao now reduced to legend by the National Historical Institute exhibited undue human cruelty and crude dispensation of justice. Until the 16th century, Visayas and Mindanao formed part of the Shri-Visayan Empire based in the Sultanate of Sulu. Muslim intransigence for the last four decades seriously eroded the peace and development process hemorrhaging the nation billions of pesos and hundreds of human lives annually.

On the other hand, Aklan which was still part of Capiz province before 1956 had an outstanding church leader, Arch. Gabriel M. Reyes. His bust statue serenely stands beside the street named in his honor at Marian High School. Quite inadvertently we are pitching one of the pillars of the Catholic Church to a Muslim Governor for Kalibonhons’ allegiance and patronage, quite an unprecedented case.

Plazoleta

What is the big fuss about the recent project of Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo? Well, according to a Spanish–English dictionary authored by Carlos Castillo and Otto F. Bond, plazoleta means a small square or court. In short, it is a mini plaza where one enjoys the ambience of flowers, ornamentals, statues, benches, sheds, mini playground and canteen and others. These amenities neither exist at present nor less likely to occur in the future because road section crams with vehicles and people especially during school/office days. The area in the vicinity of Magsaysay Park and DepEd Division Office is a vital road section that could not be closed to traffic during rush hours.

Definitely, plazoleta, a Spanish term is out of context and consistency with an extinct Aklanon word "Banawang" for "banwa". Most likely, it can be misconstrued to be referring only to Kalibo when the territorial jurisdiction of Datu Bangkaya covered the entire province of Aklan or "Minuro it Akean".

Emotional Tension

Understandably, it is pejorative and there is emotional tension in the air. Obviously, the only way to appease detractors can be one of the following: a) dismantle the whole structure, b) opt for a constructive name, "Welcome to Kalibo, Home of Piña, Abaca & Raffia. Acclaimed World’s Best & Versatile Natural Fibers", and c) relocate the bust statue of Arch. Reyes from this present location. Nevertheless, this is a product of local legis-lation, autonomy and image building. Obviously what is most important is reaching a consensus.

Mr. Terence Toriano, Radio Broadcaster of Community Broadcasting Info System said that the Office of the Municipal Mayor has initiated a plan to inform and educate the public on this recent landmark. However, Ms. Sumra C. Rojo, Curator Museo it Akean denied any collaboration between her office and LGU Kalibo in the construction of this edifice.

Whatever the reaction on this issue, we hope it is solved amicably in the interest of historical and cultural perspective. After all, we are ardent subscribers to the free market exchange of ideas and goodwill. /MP