August 31 a special non-working holiday in Aklan

Kalibo, Aklan – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has declared August 31 as a special non-working day in the province of Aklan.

August 31 marks the birth anniversary of the late Jaime Cardinal L. Sin, a true blooded Aklanon who contributed to the nation’s political history and social transformation which left a lasting impact on the lives of the Filipino people, PGMA said in her proclamation.

The President’s issuance of the proclamation declaring the special non-working holiday in the province tomorrow has been much awaited by Aklanons here, as a major event to honor the former Archbishop of Manila will be held in his hometown in New Washington with many national figures attending.

“It is but fitting and proper that the people of the province of Aklan be given full opportunity to celebrate the occasion with appropriate ceremonies”, the President said in her proclamation.

Tomorrow, Cardinal Sin’s towering statue at the New Washington Park will be unveiled and blessed to mark his birthday.

Johnny Dayang of the Publishers Association of the Philippines and a prominent Aklanon confirmed in an interview over radio station DYRU here this morning that Ambeth Ocampo, chairman of the National Historical Institute will preside in the unveiling of the historical marker.

The historical marker, said Dayang, acknowledges the shared efforts of the people responsible for the putting up of the statue. The marker is the government’s official recognition of the monument as part of the country’s history.

Dayang also confirmed the arrival tomorrow of Senate President Manny Villar, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, other top officials and dignitaries of the government, Roman Catholic Church and private sectors.

Cabinet members like Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza, Presidential Management Staff Secretary Cerge Remonde, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral, and Labor Secretary Art Brion have confirmed their attendance, according to Dayang.

PGMA’s holiday proclamation of August 31 in Aklan came as a result of Aklan Congressman Florencio T.Miraflores’ and Governor Carlito Marquez’ earlier request to the President for the declaration.

Congressman Miraflores, for his part, is currently initiating moves to make the August 31 observance a regular one every year by filing a bill in Congress for the purpose. (PIA/Venus G. Villanueva)