The people of Palawan commemorate the martyrdom and heroism of a great hero, former Governor, Dr. Higinio A. Mendoza today, January 24.
The City Government of Puerto Princesa has issued a Memorandum Circular to all officials and employees enjoining them to participate the first celebration of Gov. Higinio A. Mendoza Sr. Day. The circular was signed by City Administrator, Atty. Arnel Pedrosa in behalf of City Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron.
In his letter to Mayor Bayron, Datu Andrei Ustares Acosta, tribal chief of Gaqued y ang mga Cuyonon Inc. said that they will offer flowers at the Mendoza Shrine, where the remains of the great hero were entombed.
“This Special Working Holiday is a great opportunity for us here in Palawan and Puerto Princesa City to commemorate the life, sacrifices and heroism of the official hero of Palawan, Governor Higinio A. Mendoza Sr.,” Datu Andrei U. Acosta said.
“We at the Tribung Cuyonon are going to celebrate this Special Working Holiday by offering flowers at the Mendoza Shrine in Mendoza Park,” Acosta further said.
The late governor, Dr. Mendoza is a World War II hero, a pre-war governor of Palawan, and one of those who led the Free Palawan Movement. He was captured by Japanese in January 1944. On the 24th of January, he was killed by his captors.
In July 2018, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed the Republic Act 11225, an act declaring January 24 of every year a Special Working Holiday in Province of Palawan and in the City of Puerto Princesa in honor of the martyrdom of Governor Higinio A. Mendoza Sr. to be known as Governor Higinio A. Mendoza Sr. Day.