Jose Cortes Altavas was a Filipino revolutionary, lawyer, and politician born in Balete, Capiz, on September 11, 1877. He joined the fight against Spain during the Philippine Revolution and later became a respected public servant, serving as councilor, governor, congressman, senator, and Constitutional Convention delegate. Altavas played a key role in supporting the political rise of Manuel Roxas, who eventually became the first president of the Republic of the Philippines. He helped improve infrastructure by promoting the Panay Railroad and building highways that connected Capiz to Iloilo and Aklan. He also led efforts to make Jimeno (Altavas) an independent municipality, ...