The City Government of Vigan led by Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina commemorated the centennial of the establishment of the Plaza Burgos Monument last February 17. Mayor Eva says the celebration is one way of remembering the value of the heroism of Fr. Jose Burgos and making the people not forget.
The monument was erected in February 1910 by Biguenos to honor one of the illustrious sons of Vigan, Fr. Jose Apolonio Burgos. Father Burgos is one of the martyr priests known as GOMBURZA falsely accused of masterminding the Cavite Mutiny. They were executed at Bagumbayan, now known as Luneta on February 17, 1872. Father Burgos was born in Vigan on February 9, 1837 to a Spanish officer, Don Jose Tiburcio Burgos and a mestiza mother,Florencia Garcia.
Several activities were lined-up to celebrate the event. A mass officiated by Msgr. Roque Reyes at the Conversion of St. Paul Cathedral marked the start of the affair, followed by a parade participated in by city officials and employees, public and private schools and barangay officials. A program was held at Plaza Burgos. Afterwards, flower offerings were made.