Talisay marks heroism of three Aliño brothers

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City commemorated the other day the heroism of the Aliño brothers or collectively known as the Tres Aliños by recognizing once again their bravery which they demonstrated during the Spanish Era.

“Every year we celebrate April 2 as the Tres Aliños Day to remind the Talisaynos of their legacy, of their bravery,” said city administrator Richel Bacaltos.

Bacaltos said city residents, especially the younger generation, should always be reminded of how the Tres Aliños “defended our country against the Spaniards, even during the time of the American regime” 114 years ago.

Last Monday, Mayor Socrates Fernandez together with local officials offered prayers and flowers to the monuments of the three brothers at the Talisay City College compound in barangay Poblacion.

The city also gave recognition to the clan of the Aliños whose members flew all the way to the city from the different parts of the country. Also here for the recognition was Benjamin Aliño, 81, grandson of Hilario.

Bacaltos also hopes that “in the future,” April 2 will be declared as a non-working holiday to further give weight to the celebration.

According to history, the three Aliños — Hilario, Felix and Potenciano — were natives of Talisay and are considered as the “wealthiest and best-educated” of the Cebuano society of their times.

The three were said to have fought the war to protect Talisay residents from the foreign oppressors. - THE FREEMAN