“Dagohoy” by Rosalio Ortiz —File Photo from National Museum of the Philippines – Bohol/FACEBOOK
TAGBILARAN CITY — Bohol acting Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite has asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare every July 4 in the province as a special non-working holiday in honor of a local hero.
Balite said it is proper to give Boholanos the time to commemorate the heroism of Dagohoy, a native of Inabanga town who fought the Spanish rule in the country, with fitting ceremonies.
The Francisco Dagohoy Day has been annually observed in Bohol as a special working holiday under the Republic Act No. 11444 signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Balite said he personally handed over a letter to President Marcos during the latter’s visit to Bohol last June 28.
However, the acting governor was told by the Presidential Management Staff that the letter was not read by the president.
Not willing to give up, Balite sent the same letter to Malacañang.
“Let’s pray that our president will respond to our request,” Balite said in his speech during a program in honor of Dagohoy at the Camp Francisco Dagohoy in Tagbilaran on Thursday, July 4.
Balite encouraged Boholanos to follow the path of Dagohoy, emulate his love for the country, and face the challenges with bravery and patriotism.
“Commemorating Francisco Dagohoy means recognizing and appreciating his sacrifice and love for our country,” the governor said.
“His success demonstrates the power of unity and encouragement in our communities,” he added.
Dagohoy, whose real name was Francisco Sendrijas, led the longest revolution in the Philippines for 85 years and eight months.
His revolt started when a Jesuit priest from his hometown refused to give his brother, Sagarino Sendrijas, a Christian burial after the latter was killed during a duel against a fugitive who abandoned Christianity.
Fr. Gaspar Morales, the Jesuit curate of Inabanga, turned down the request to give Sagarino a Christian burial because he had supposedly died in a duel.
This rejection prompted Dagohoy to call upon his fellow Boholanos to raise their arms and fight their Spanish oppressors.