Biography of Casimiro Barrera
First Gobernadorcillo of Malinao
One of the founders of the town of Malinao was Casimiro Barrera (now Ibea). That was at the close of the 18th century.
Together with Juan Nepomuceno and several other "prominentes" of the "arraval" of Malinao during those days, Barrera worked hand in hand with his companions for the separation of Malinao from Banga. Malinao was then a big barrio of Banga at the east of Aklan River.
It was between the years 1790 and 1796 when the inhabitants of Malinao felt the need that their native place would no longer be under the yoke of the ruling people of Banga. Casimiro Barrera was one of the leaders for the separation movements.
When petition after petition were prayed of the people of Banga to make Malinao an independent town, Barrera was among those instrumental in pushing said petitions. During one of the elections for "Gobernadorcillo" for the municipality of Banga, to which Malinao belonged during those early days, Casimiro Barrera worked hard for the triumph of Juan Nepomuceno as "Head of Banga" when he (Nepomuceno) sent to the Office of the Provincial Governor of the Province a vigorous petition for the separation of Malinao from Banga, but the prayer proved to no avail.
Barrera and Nepomuceno did not lose hope to make the "arraval of Malinao" to become an independent town. Upon advice of the Parish Priest of Kalibo, Nepomuceno was picked out to go on a trip to Manila to seek the approval of the Governor General regarding Malinao's separation. Nepomuceno went to Manila taking with him an "Escrito de Separation," and after a hazardous experience during the trip as well in the City, he came home a victor. The request for the separation of Malinao from Banga was approved by the Governor General.
Casimiro Barrera was the "First Gobernadorcillo" or "Chief Executive" of Malinao as an independent town. That was in the year 1796. He was appointed as such by a priest who was sent to Malinao from Manila to inaugurate the new town. The name of the priest was Padre Manuel who became the first priest of Malinao.
- Excerpt from the book "Local Celebrities" by Mr. Melecio I. Ilio, Malinao, Aklan 1982
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