The heroism of a former governor of the Province of Antique is commemorated every February 11.

Each time the historic EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 is revisited, the memory of former Antique governor, Evelio Javier, is highlighted.

He was slain by armed men on February 11, 1986.

Armed men shot Javier to death at the plaza of San Jose de Buenavista, the capital town of Antique.

The death of Javier was one of the incidents that fueled a popular uprising, one deemed to have inspired as well the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 22, 1986.

EDSA People Power overthrew the country’s strongman, the late president Marcos, who sought asylum in Hawaii, USA.

In honor of Javier’s heroism, his death anniversary is remembered each year in Antique, as stipulated in Republic Act 7601 that declared February 11 of each year as a special non-working public holiday in Panay Island.

On the morning of February 11, 2025, officials of the province offered flowers, along with Javier’s family, relatives, friends, and residents of Antique at his monument at the Evelio B. Javier Freedom Park in front of the Antique Provincial Capitol.

Antiqueños shared their memories of the former governor.

Helen Salvacio, 70 years old, said she remembers Javier’s good deeds. She said such deeds are unforgettable.

“Tumutulong talaga siya sa katulad niyang mahihirap. Nanghingi ako sa bahay nila, okay lang,” Salvacio said.

The youth of the new generation may find it a challenge to associate with national sentiments during the EDSA Revolution, but many of them honor Javier as a hero of Antique.

“Kay Evelio Javier ngayon, siya ang kilalang bayani na taga-Antique,” Inday Ilongga, of the post-millennial generation, said.