Bill filed declaring Oct. 13 a special working holiday

MANILA, Philippines - Batangas Rep. Hermilando Mandanas has filed a resolution declaring Oct. 13, 2011 as a special working holiday in commemoration of the 100th death anniversary of Gen. Miguel Malvar, the last general to surrender to American forces during the Philippine-American War.

In House Resolution 1705, Mandanas, chairman of the ways and means committee, said there were only a few men who led lives with unquestionable conviction and character like the great Batangueño.

“Malvar showed exceptional qualities as a family man and strong leader of the revolutionary movement during the Phil-Am war in 1898-1902,” Mandanas said.

The resolution states that when Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was captured, his successor, Gen. Mariano Trias, surrendered to the American forces, leaving to Malvar the task of running whatever was left of the revolutionary movement.

Believing that a few more months of fighting would imperil more Filipino civilians and with his sick wife and children, Malvar was forced to surrender to the American troops on April 13, 2011.

The Philippine-American War Centennial Foundation, headed by lawyer Jose Malvar Villegas Jr., endorsed for House approval the Mandanas resolution.

Villegas said one of the major activities in the national celebration of Malvar’s death anniversary is an exhibit showcasing his heroism and legacy to the country at the Manila Hotel on Sept. 27, the hero’s birthday.

Dr. Isabel Malvar Villegas, 102, the only surviving child of the general, will open the exhibit, sponsored by the Auxiliary of Philippine Medical Association.