Did you know that on this day, January 10 in 1899, Kagay-anons celebrated for the first time freedom from 3 centuries of Spanish rule with the hoisting of the Philippine flag at Casa Real (present day Executive House at City Hall Complex). It came six months after the Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite by General Emilio Aguinaldo. The first municipal mayor of then Cagayan de Misamis was Toribio Chaves y Roa and his poem “Pinahanongod” was read publicly by Pedro Akut which became the Kagay-anon’s manifesto of declaration of independence against Spain.
The event was a big celebration and lasted 2 days with parade, music, speeches and a cannonade or firing of guns. A historical marker is currently installed onsite.
Shown below is an old photograph of the float “La Libertad de Filipinas” during the parade as it passed Casa Real. On the float was Ysidra Yamomo who symbolized “liberty” and her two children: Conchita Fernandez carrying a crown of laurel symbolizing “Victory” and Pedro Velez carrying a machete symbolizing “Defense”. Misamis Governor Jose Roa y Casas later wrote to President Emilio Aguinaldo and called the event the great “Fiesta Nacional” of Cagayan de Misamis.
images by CIO
