Government work and classes in public schools are suspended in Iloilo on Wednesday, Dec. 18, as the province and city commemorate the 168th birth anniversary of Ilonggo national hero Graciano Lopez Jaena.
Republic Act No. 6155, “designates December 18 of each year as an official public holiday in the city and province of Iloilo.”
The law also encourages local government units (LGUs), educational institutions, and the general public to engage in activities that honor his memory and promote national pride.
Lopez Jaena was a legendary writer and revolutionary propagandist. He wrote the satirical story Fray Botod and was among the founders of La Solidaridad.
The national hero was born in Jaro district and died of tuberculosis at age 39 on Jan. 20, 1896 in Barcelona, Spain.IMT
