PIDDIG, Ilocos Norte, Sept. 16 (PNA) — The spirit of volunteerism is very much alive in this municipality as hundreds of its residents arrived at the Gakki Theater on Wednesday to donate blood.
Organized by the local government unit of Piddig in cooperation with the Philippine National Red Cross, the blood-letting activity highlighted the people’s cooperation as they commemorated the Basi Revolt held in this historic town, 208 years ago.
Based on history, the Basi Revolt, also known as the Ambaristo Revolt, was staged from September 16 to 28, 1807.
Historians said the revolt was led by Pedro Mateo and Salarogo Ambaristo, though some sources also refer to a single person named Pedro Ambaristo.
Unique in Piddig town, the revolution stemmed from the Ilocanos’ love for basi or sugarcane wine.
In 1786, the Spanish colonial government expropriated the manufacture and sale of basi, effectively banning private manufacture of the local wine.
As a result, Ilocanos were forced to buy from government stores. However, wine-loving Ilocanos in Piddig rose in revolt on September 16, 1807, which spread to nearby towns and with fighting lasting for weeks.
Spanish-led troops eventually quelled the revolt on September 28, 1807, albeit with much force and loss of life on the losing side.
Up to this day, the people of Piddig commemorate said event as an important history of their forefathers, passed from generation to generation.
In fact, at least 14 paintings on the Basi Revolt by Esteban Pichay Villanueva are exhibited at the Ilocos Sur National Museum in Vigan City. Said event is immortalized and commemorated in the Basi Revolt Monument located along the highway of Piddig town.
This year, the local government of Piddig led by Mayor Eddie Guillen opted to celebrate this historic event for a cause by encouraging local residents to donate blood and help save lives.
After the blood-letting activity, blood donors and other volunteers were treated to a boodle fight.(PNA)