Aklan SP to Conduct Public Hearing on Singing of the Aklan Hymn in All Ceremonies/Functions in Aklan

Kalibo, Aklan. Spearheaded by the Committee on Law, Rules and Ordinances chaired by Hon. Selwyn C. Ibarreta with Hon. Rodson F. Mayor and Hon. Victor Manuel M. Garcia as members, the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan is all set to hold a public hearing on singing of the Aklan Hymn in All Ceremonies/Functions in Aklan

The public hearing will be held on Monday October 18, 2010 at the SP Session Hall, Provincial Capitol starting at 9:00 o’clock in the morning as agreed by the body during its 14th regular session on October 11, 2010.

SP Member Victor Manuel M. Garcia of the western district is proposing to make mandatory the singing of the Aklan Hymn in all flag raising ceremonies, official and formal functions and activities of both government and private offices and institutions throughout the Province of Aklan.

Through Resolution No. 2010-043 passed on March 4, 2010, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Aklan has officially adopted both the composition of Dr. Jesse M. Gomez, Schools Division Superintendent of Roxas City, the “Among Akean” as the official Aklan Hymn and the “Hala Bira, Akean” as the official Aklan March. The Aklan SP itself has already institutionalized the singing/playing of the Aklan Hymn in all its sessions, ceremonies and programs.

Garcia said he has noted that only few offices, institutions and organizations, including the school system in Aklan, are singing/playing the Aklan Hymn in their flag raising ceremonies, official and formal functions, activities and programs.

Hence, his proposed ordinance now under SP consideration titled, “An Ordinance Making It Mandatory in the Whole Province of Aklan for all Government Offices, Local and National, Schools at all Levels, Public and Private, Institutions, Organizations, and the like, the Singing/Playing of the Aklan Hymn In All Flag Raising Ceremonies, Official and Formal Functions, Activities and Programs Which Also Require the Singing/Playing of the Philippine National Anthem.”

Garcia stressed that patriotism and nationalism do not only signify love and loyalty to the country and flag but is also inclusive of a citizen’s love of his own home province and community of origin, in the case of Aklanons, love and loyalty to Aklan Province.

He added that the Aklan Hymn and the Aklan March project the Aklanon unique identity, its traditions, culture and history, geography and scenic attractions and its singing/playing in official and formal functions, activities and programs will instill the Aklanon brand of nationalism and patriotism in the present and future Aklanon generations.