Simeon Ola: The Last General Standing in the Battle for Freedom
President Rodrigo Duterte declared that every September 2, Albay will celebrate “Simeon Ola Day,” last November 9, 2018.
Following this, every Ola Day, there will be a special non-working holiday in the province of Albay in commemoration of the birth anniversary of General Simeon A. Ola. It is also to recognize his life and patriotism when he fought the Americans during his time.
Who is Ola, and how did he become the last general standing in the battle of Legazpi?
Who is Simeon Ola?
Here in Albay, we see statues and busts in some places to honor deceased heroes that are native here. Simeon Ola, a Bicolano General, is one of the key figures of Albay.
Dubbed as the “Last General to Surrender,” Ola is among the many generals who fought for the liberation of Albay against the imperialist regime of the Americans.
In the long list of the names of the revolutionaries, Ola did not only become one, but he became the last.
Born to Albayano parents, Vicente Ola and Apolonia Arboleda, Simeon Ola rose to be a Teniente de caudillos, which helped him establish a name for himself as he carried out his work as a revolutionist. The Americans already saw him as a threat.
Thus, this made him a target. He fought battles after battles to redeem Albay’s independence from the reign of the Americans. And on the last one is where he decided to finally surrender, given the circumstances points to him not winning the war.
The Last General to Surrender
Ola agreed to submit that he was granted a general amnesty and fair treatment and justice for his companions.
In 1903, he was sentenced to the crime of sedition and was to be imprisoned for 30 years. But Ola was a lucky man.
He receives an executive pardon by October the following year and was released.
From then on, he realized that he had a calling to serve his people. But this time without the unnecessary war and bloodshed. He entered politics in 1910 and served as Guinobatan’s, his hometown’s Mayor, until 1919.
Ola died on February 14, 1952. The Museo showcased all information through old newspaper articles and pictures.
“Itong mga dokumentong ito ang magpapatunay ng mga nagawa niya.” From mere stories passed down orally, it is very important that written documents exist to prove hearsays.
The Museo acquired articles printed by the Philippine Free Press. All ofwhich, contained Ola’s name to showcase to the public Ola’s heroism.
General Simeon Ola was an icon of bravery and nationalism. His sacrifices that lead us to enjoy today’s life are a lesson worth teaching the new generation of Albayanos who know almost nothing of their heritage.
