'Matud Nila' composer receives award from PB

The Cebu Provincial Board has conferred a posthumous lifetime achievement award to acclaimed stage, movie and radio entertainer Ben Zubiri, who was popularly known as "Iyo Karpo."

The proposed resolution's author Provincial Board member Victor Maambong said Zubiri made great and invaluable contributions to the enrichment of Cebuano arts and culture specifically in the field of music.

Zubiri, who was born in 1911 and died in 1969, composed the Cebuano song "Matud Nila" in 1941. The song narrates of the plight of a poor and unassuming suitor who has nothing to offer to the object of his affection but pure love "more precious than gold".

Maambong said the song composed by Zubiri mirrors the Cebuano character of choosing values and ideals over materialism and extols Cebuanos indomitable courage to thrive amidst adversity.

The board approved Maambong's measure saying there is a need to remember, honor and herald the works and contribution of Iyo Karpo to afford him proper praise and lasting commemoration.

Zubiri's nephew, Bukidnon Rep. Miguel Zubiri, however failed to attend the session of the Provincial Board where he was supposed to receive the reward on his uncle's behalf as he was busy visiting schools.

Zubiri is aspiring to run for senator under the administration.

"Kung sikat nga artista atong ibutang sa senado unsaon man nila pagkahibalo kung unsa'y panginahanglan sa local government. Ako nakahibalo kung unsa'y panginahanglan sa local government," he said.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said she asked the senatorial aspirant to focus on giving full autonomy to the local government especially on infrastructures.

"I think projects can be better given to the LGU's kay kaming mga mayor, gobernador maoy manubag sa publiko. Kami ang modawat sa reklamo," Garcia said.

Garcia pointed out that there are some national roads started by the Department of Public Works and Highways but were left unfinished and the provincial government was obligated to take over and complete the projects. - Garry B. Lao/BRP