CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – This city on Saturday, March 25, marked the 125th anniversary of the “Ikkis ti Candon” (Cry of Candon) as a continuing tribute to the heroism of Don Isabelo Abaya to achieve the country’s independence from Spain.
This event is one of the significant highlights of the 2023 Candon City Tobacco Festival.
Mayor Eric D. Singson thanked the national government for choosing Candon as one of the local commemoration sites for the 125th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence on June 12.
CANDON City officials led by Mayor Eric D. Singson mark the 125th commemoration of the ‘Ikkis ti Candon’ (Cry of Candon) at the Candon City Plaza on Saturday. (Freddie G. Lazaro)
“The inclusion of our beloved Candon as one of the few chosen local commemoration sites in line with the 125th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence means so much to us Candonians,” Singson said in his message after the wreath-laying rites at the foot of the statue of Don Isabelo Abaya at the Candon City Plaza.
Singson said the historic Ikkis ti Candon that resulted in the setting up of the short-lived three-day Republic of Candon reverberated all over the country, jolted the conquering Spaniards, and served as the biggest shout amplifying the patriotism and the love for freedom by the forbearers.
“By the way, this is the second time that the national government is giving due recognition to our Ikkis ti Candon. I still remember, the first one was during the 110th commemoration when I was one of the deputy speakers of the Lower House and then DPWH Secretary and now Zambales Gov. Jun Ebdane was the main guest sent by Malacanang,” Singson added.
Dr. Emmanuel Franco Calairo, chairperson of the National Historic Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), was the guest of honor during the event. Calairo was instrumental in the inclusion of Candon in the exclusive list of 17 local commemorators for the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence.