HONORED. Rows of wreaths lead to the statue of Gen Simeon Ola in Guinobatan, Albay on Tuesday (Sept. 2, 2025). The wreaths were offered to commemorate the 160th birthday of Ola, the last Filipino general to surrender to American forces during the Philippine-American War. (PNA photo by Connie Calipay)
LEGAZPI CITY – Albay celebrated the 160th birth anniversary of Gen. Simeon Ola in Guinobatan town on Tuesday, attended by local government officials and uniformed personnel.
The program began with a Mass, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony, and ended with a military parade featuring columns of uniformed personnel from the area.
Guinobatan Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco said the town, Ola’s birthplace, reflected on the significance of the local hero’s legacy.
“We don’t need to sacrifice our lives to be heroes; we can be living heroes by setting a good example, especially as government officials,” she said.
“In today’s challenges, we need to be honest. Let’s fight for what serves the people and our country.”
Driven by his dedication, Ola is known for being the last Filipino general to surrender to American forces on Sept. 25, 1903, during the Philippine-American War, marking the end of the conflict in the Bicol region.
Sept. 2 is a holiday in the province under Republic Act 11136 to commemorate Ola’s birth anniversary.
The Philippine National Police Regional Headquarters in Legazpi City, formerly known as Camp Ibalon, was renamed Camp Simeon A. Ola on June 24, 1991. (With a report from John Kenneth Aringo/PNA intern)
