EBJ statue's original splendor restored-Prov'l Historical Council
Wreathlaying ceremony at Eveliio Javier monument
with Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Gov. Sally Perez
and other provincial officials.
The Provincial Historical Council of Antique defended its move of restoring the statue of the late Governor Evelio B. Javier in time for the 20th commemoration of the Antiqueño martyr.
"Cong. Javier is right that anybody can't just do what he wants with the work of art just because he wants to impress the people that he cares. It will be vandalism indeed! But he was wrong because the vandalism referred to had actually restored the statue of his brother to its original self. Otherwise stated it was already vandalized. It took the province through the Provincial Historical Council to have it restored to its previous splendor," said SP Majority Floor Leader and Chairman of the Historical Council Dr. Zoilo Bernardo Tubianosa.
The council chaired by Tubianosa was tasked by Gov. Perez in the grand preparation for Evelio B. Javier's 20th martyrdom anniversary. Part of the preparation was the repair of the shrine and the restoration work on the hero's statue.
"That's the reason why we restored the former splendor of the monument tampered by Valspar varnish (or black paint) that hid the original brilliance of the bronze work. We haven't tampered with anything in the monument. Our boys knew what they were doing. The polishing work done in the bronze monument used only the kind of abrasive that removes the varnish coating but not hard enough to scratch the bronze work. We haven't seen any scratches seriously damaging the face of the statue as alleged and if ever there was so, the congressman would have had overly reacted or confronted us about it. The people can attest to the fact of whether or not there was damage. It's one generation now since Evelio's martyrdom, and it's them that we want to impress about Evelio, not any other politician. If we leave the statue as it is, what would others say? Take the case of that memorabilia center. See the ruckus it created when the work momentarily stopped? Now we are doing a great job for Evelio's tribute and yet this is what we got!" Dr. Tubianosa lamented.
During her radio program, Gov. Sally Z. Perez lambasted Cong. Javier on his overreaction and obsession on the provincial government's preparation. Javier said all cues must emanate from him and the Javier family regarding the preparation of the celebration.
"I am very proud of what I am doing. I know Evelio and I know that he approves. I can't understand this erratic behavior of our Congressman. Instead of being grateful, he still attacks us. I will fight for this. I don't even know if Evelio touched the life of his brother, but he definitely touched ours... Evelio does not belong to you. He belongs to all of us Antiqueños... All Antiqueños therefore have a right to celebrate or commemorate his death anniversary. Even the whole Panay declared February 11 as holiday. That's why I wrote to all the governors in Panay to remind all of them of the 20th death anniversary of our hero Evelio. All the governors responded to this... You are always good at attacking, when in fact, you don't even plan the activities for the said celebration. Well, this governor has planned a very good program for the whole month of February. All provincial activities will be in honor of Evelio... That's why instead of attacking us, the Javier family should in truth have to thank us. We do not deserve your attacks on us because we are doing what Evelio deserves. If you don't like what we do, then just let us be, instead of attacking us. We feel that this province must honor Evelio Javier," Perez said.