Sen. Loren Legarda on Tuesday welcomed the Senate’s approval of a bill declaring 5 August a special non-working holiday in Anini-y, Antique, in commemoration of the town’s independence.

Legarda, who hails from Antique, said the measure honors Anini-y’s heritage and affirms the community’s vision for growth and sustainability.

“For the Municipality of Anini-y, self-identification is a declaration of strength that is anchored in heritage, and a shared vision to become a peaceful, thriving tourism hub with an empowered community, committed to sustainability, good governance, and inclusive growth,” she said.

She underscored the importance of recognizing shared identity and history as foundations for unity and development.

“The act of self-identification is fundamental to the life of any community. It is through this shared understanding, as a people shaped by common history, place, values, and aspirations, that we find meaning in our struggles, direction in our development, and unity in our collective journey,” Legarda added.

Anini-y regained its municipal independence on Aug. 5, 1949, through Executive Order No. 253 signed by President Elpidio Quirino. It had previously been merged with Dao, now Tobias Fornier, by the American colonial government in 1903.

The House version of the measure was filed by Antique Rep. AA Legarda and Coop-NATCCO Party-list Rep. Felimon Espares. In the Senate, House Bill No. 7005 was sponsored by Sen. JV Ejercito, chair of the Committee on Local Government.