Aquino urged to declare Francisco Balagtas a hero

The Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF) is urging President Benigno Aquino III to declare poet and writer Francisco Balagtas a hero.

Balagtas, also known as Francisco Baltazar, considered one of the greatest Filipino literary laureates, wrote the epic Florante at Laura while in prison. He dedicated this masterpiece to his muse, Maria Asuncion Rivera, who was referenced in the epic as Selya.

KWF Chairman and National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario said in a text message that the commission is continually impelling the government to declare Balagtas as hero.

“Isinusulong ng komisyon na madeklarang bayani si Balagtas dahil sa himagsik na isinulong niya sa panitikang pambansa,” the national artist said.

Almario said they have sent letters to the Office of the President. However, the KWF have yet to hear from the Office of the President.

“Nagpadala na kami noong 2014 ng komunikasyon sa Opisina ng Pangulo para sa deklarasyon ng Abril 2 bilang national holiday,” Almario said.

Balagtas was born April 2, 1788 in Bigaa, Bulacan. The town has since been renamed Balagtas in his honor.

With this, the commission conducts a pilgrimage at the Orion, Bataan which they call the Kampo Balagtas every April 2. 

The declaration of April as the Month of Filipino Literature is in accordance with Proclamation No. 968 of the Office of the President. This year, the KWF, together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and National Book Development Board, listed several of its activities for the coming celebration with the theme, Alab Panitikan 2016. — APG, GMA News