19 Martyrs Monument 3.42

19 Martyrs Monument popularly known as Aklan Freedom Shrine is a monument to the heroism of Aklanon revolutionaries who joined the Katipunan during the Spanish occupation. The 19 Steps monument contains the mortal remains of the 19 Martyrs of Aklan and the effigy of their leader Francisco Del Castillo.

In order to commemorate the death anniversary of the 19 Martyrs of Aklan, Republic Act No. 7806 was made into law setting the 23rd day of March of every year as a special public holiday in the Province of Aklan. A former general himself, President Fidel V. Ramos let Republic Act 7806 lapsed into law without his signature. And on September 1, 1994, in accordance with Article VI, Sec. 27(1) of the Constitution became law.