04/11/2026
𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 ‘𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐭𝐮𝐠𝐲𝐚𝐧’
The Province of Antique commemorated the first year anniversary of “Pagtugyan,” the historic transfer of the 1898 Philippine Revolutionary Flag raised by General Leandro Fullon in Inyawan, Pandan on September 21, 1898, from the care of Colonel Ruperto Abellon Sr.'s family, formally entrusting the flag's custody to the provincial government on October 27.
The commemoration was held at the Old Provincial Capitol, honoring Gen. Fullon's role in Antique's liberty, Col. Abellon and his family's generation’s stewardship to protect the historic flag, and the Provincial Government's vow of preserving the concrete symbol of Antiqueños’ bravery.
Provincial Administrator lawyer Robin Rubinos graced the event, representing Governor Paolo S. Javier, and reiterated the provincial government's commitment to protect the flag and preserve the ideals it holds.
“On behalf of Governor Paolo Everardo S. Javier and the Provincial Government of Antique, we again reiterate our acceptance of the custody of this revolutionary flag,” Rubinos said.
He added that he is grateful for the trust given by the Abellon family to the Provincial Government to care for and preserve the flag.
Meanwhile, Major General Joey A. Escanillas, commander of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division at Camp Gen. Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz, served as the guest speaker of the event and highlighted that Antique's heritage is a lasting source of identity, strength, and purpose.
Descendants of General Leandro Fullon and Colonel Ruperto Abellon, Sr. were also present at the commemoration to support the commitment to preserving the flag that represents the bravery of their forefathers.
Corazon Barrientos, a fourth-generation granddaughter of Col. Abellon said the family recognized itself as a steward of the flag and not the owner.
“Stewards lang kami, tagatago lang kami kang flag nga ra, tungud kang historical significance kang flag sa atun nga probinsya,” Barrientos expressed.
(We are only the stewards of the flag because of its historical significance in our province.)