By Cyrus A. Natividad

The late Antique Governor Evelio B. Javier.

On Thursday, February 11, 2021, Central Philippine University will observe a special-working public holiday to commemorate the death anniversary of Evelio Javier – who was assassinated by masked gunmen in San Jose de Buenavista in Antique four days after the snap elections were held on February 7, 1986. His funeral was attended by thousands of people.

The death of Javier resulted in one of the major events that sparked the EDSA People Power Revolution. The revolution that started on February 22, 1986 resulted in the overthrow of the dictatorial regime of Ferdinand E. Marcos. Javier was a lawyer who served as governor of Antique from 1971 to 1980. He was an opposition leader and a staunch supporter of Cory Aquino who ran against then President Marcos.

Evelio Javier Day is celebrated in the provinces of Antique, Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo in Panay Island.

(With notes from Anyday Guide)