By Nimfa Estrellado Quezon Gov. Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan and Constance See Sin Yuan, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of S...
 |
| Quezon Gov. Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan and Constance See Sin Yuan, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Singapore to the Philippines accompanied by local officials and police, led a poignant floral offering at the Quezon monument for former President Manuel Luis M. Quezon's 46th birth anniversary on August, 19, 2014 at Lucena City, Quezon. (Photo from Laica Batariano) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon - “My fellow citizens: There is one thought I want you always to bear in mind, and that is that you are Filipinos; that the Philippines is your country and the only country God has given you; that you must keep it for yourselves, for your children, and for your children’s children, until the world is no more.”
This powerful words of former President Manuel Luis M. Quezon echoed across Perez Park, Lucena City, Quezon, setting a solemn and inspiring tone for the commemoration of his 146th birth anniversary on August, 19, 2014. A recorded audio of his 1920s speech, filled with passionate calls for national unity and dedication, transported attendees back to a time when the Philippines was striving for independence.
Former President Quezon, a staunch advocate for Philippine independence, played a pivotal role in securing the passage of the Tydings-McDuffie Act, which paved the way for the establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth in 1935. As the Commonwealth's first president, he championed social justice, women's suffrage, and land reform, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's history.
Quezon's presidency was marked by a series of significant initiatives aimed at addressing pressing social and economic challenges. He championed the cause of landless peasants, reorganized the nation's military defense, and promoted settlement and development in Mindanao. Quezon also sought to curb foreign dominance over the Philippine economy, advocated for land reform, and combatted corruption within the government.
Quezon Governor Angelina "Doktora Helen" Tan accompanied by local officials and police, led a poignant floral offering at the Quezon monument. Adding to the significance of the occasion, Constance See Sin Yuan, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Singapore to the Philippines, graced the event with her presence. Her attendance underscored the strong ties between the two nations and the shared admiration for President Quezon's legacy.
A hush fell over the crowd as they paid their respects to the great leader. Reflecting on the occasion, Gov. Tan stated, "This is the third time I have had the honor of offering flowers at the monument of Manuel Quezon and remembering his love for our country. Our province, of course, was named in his honor, and just like his dreams for our country and the Filipino people, our leaders in the province share the same aspirations."
Addressing the challenges faced by the province, she outlined a vision of progress and prosperity. "The goal of our Niyogyugan Festival is to boost our coconut farmers and the industry as a whole. We recognize that Quezon province faces challenges such as poverty, limited livelihood opportunities, and the need for more businesses and jobs. We are committed to resolving these issues, and achieving an insurgency-free status is a crucial first step. Economic success is not attainable without peace."
The Niyogyugan Festival, a vibrant celebration aptly named after the coconut and the act of shaking it, is an annual event that highlights the remarkable versatility and economic importance of this tropical fruit. Through a diverse range of activities such as trade fairs, culinary competitions, cultural shows, and educational seminars, the festival revolves entirely around the coconut, showcasing its potential in various industries.
The Niyogyugan Festival strives to promote innovative approaches to coconut production, processing, and marketing. By fostering value addition and creating new opportunities, the festival plays a significant role in boosting the local economy and empowering communities reliant on the coconut industry. It serves as a platform for showcasing the ingenuity and resourcefulness of individuals involved in the coconut sector, highlighting the fruit's potential beyond traditional uses and inspiring further exploration and development.
The lady governor defended the province's focus on the coconut industry, emphasizing its potential for innovation and value-adding. She outlined her vision for a united, resilient, and forward-looking Quezon province, "Some critics have questioned why Quezon province seems 'stuck' on coconut. But for me, I believe that coconut is a treasure. We are exploring its full potential, not just in traditional ways but also through innovation and value-adding."
She envisions Quezon Province as a leader in the coconut industry, leveraging its abundant resources to generate sustainable livelihoods and improve the quality of life for its residents. She stressed the importance of research and development, technology adoption, and market access to fully unlock the potential of the coconut industry.
Tan continued, painting a picture of a Quezon province that is united, resilient, and forward-looking. "I hope we can achieve the true meaning of peace. We have declared our province to be insurgency-free, and we are all about development. We are achieving this through the programs and projects we deliver to our people."
She also said "President Quezon once said that the true measure of a leader is not in the power they hold, but in the victories they achieve for their people. Let us be sensitive to the needs of our people. The provincial government's programs and projects are a direct result of the concerns we've heard from them. We are demonstrating that we are not authoritarian, but rather, we listen and include every sector in planning for the betterment of our province."
Tan called for unity and collective action, urging everyone to work together to achieve Quezon's vision of a strong and prosperous Philippines. She emphasized the importance of listening to the people and including every sector in planning for the province's betterment, "Let us help one another. Quezon is not the 'sick man' of Calabarzon, nor are we a poor province. We have the potential to achieve great things, but we must work together." she said.
She left a powerful message inspired by Quezon's vision. "The dream is for our people to be like the molave tree - strong and firm, standing on the edge of the valley, unafraid of lightning, waves, or typhoons, confident in their own strength. In everything we do for our province, that's what we want to see - every citizen as a helper and companion. We strengthen them through the programs we provide."
The commemoration served as a poignant reminder of Quezon's enduring impact on the nation. His vision for a strong, united, and prosperous Philippines continues to inspire and guide generations of Filipinos. As the ceremony drew to a close, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to carrying Quezon's torch forward.
No comments