The Cry of Jelicu-on
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The oppression that happened during the Spaniards rule in the Philippines caused the revolt of the Filipinos for independence. The Ilonggos had a share in the Philippine independence. They contributed too to the Philippine oppression of foreign countries. Their struggles were manifested through the pen and sword. Among them were acclaimed heroes, particularly Graciano Lopez Jaena, Quintin Salas and Teresa Magbanua.
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The revolution came to Iloilo later than the rest of the country because in the 1880’s it was the political, commercial and cultural center of the Philippines. It is also considered the second most important city in the Philippines, after Manila. (Prof. Henry Funtecha). It was said that Ilonggos formed the Cuerpo Voluntarios, a volunteer force to support and defend the Spanish government against the revolutionary forces.
However, a number of Ilonggo leaders were also working to advance the revolution in Panay. Among them were General Martin Delgado and General Adriano Hernandez who used their influence as members of Ilonggo elite to acquire arms and generate support for revolution. The Spanish defeat in Manila Bay signaled the start of the revolution in the province. (JNCajigal)
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The municipality of New Lucena played a major role in history in the famous “Cry of Jelicu-on” which also indicates as the first “Cry of Revolution”. The event happened a few days before October 28, 1898 at Jelicu-on (now Barangay General Delgado, New Lucena) when Gen. Martin Delgado challenged his men, who were members of the Cuerpo Voluntarios, to rise up arms against the Spaniards.
The municipality of New Lucena, formerly Jimanban was a small barrio. It is a boundary between Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan. It was part of Cabatuan in the 1880’s though in 1866, it was made part of Sta. Barbara. The small barrio increases its population with the intermarriages among people. Later with the barrio’s prominent resident, Bartolome Valenzuela and the residents (Jimanban) organized and petitioned to the Governor General that they be granted independence by putting up infrastructures; Church, convent, municipal building. The grant was given to the residents in October 1877 with the help of the provincial officials and captain municipal of its neighboring towns (Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan and Pototan).
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This beautiful town is strategically located in the northern position of the province of Iloilo and is approximately 28 km from the city. It boasts a land area of 4, 412 hectares. This agricultural town has been producing rice, vegetables, root crops and more. Its major industries include rice mills, furniture making, metal craft, toy craft, bamboo craft, farming, livestock and poultry production among others. Now, this once little barrio takes you back in time as it commemorates a momentous event for every Ilonggos. Its municipality invites fellow Ilonggos in the reenactment and a festival of the “Cry of Jelicu-on” this October 25. The event is also a way of giving honor to the people who gave up their lives for our independence.