Mayor Florencio "Jun" Bernabe declared him an adopted son of the city by virtue of a resolution recently passed by the city council and announced in a ceremony last Friday.
Bernabe cited the ring fighter for his discipline and courage and whose exploits atop the ring brought honor to the country and pride in every Filipino.
He noted Pacquiao’s exemplary demeanor in and out of the boxing arena as an athlete and as a God-fearing man.
"I am happy to note that aside from being a fearless fighter in the ring, Mr. Pacquiao is a fine gentleman who has shown a soft spot for fellow Filipinos, especially the youth and the disadvantaged whom he has helped and continues to help in many ways," Bernabe said.
"We, in the council, are happy to have Mr. Pacquiao to be with and among us," Councilor Conchita "Baby" Bustamante, who authored the council resolution, said.
Pacquiao graced the ceremony and delivered a short speech.
"Buong puso kong tinatanggap itong karangalan na inyong ipinagkakaloob sa akin. Ito’y buong buhay ko di malilimutan (I am accepting this honor with great pride. I will never forget this as long as I live)," he said.
"Inaasahan ko ipagpapatuloy ninyo ang suporta at dalangin upang maipagpatuloy ko ring makapagdulot ng karangalan sa Parañaque at sa ating bansa (I am hoping that you will continue to support me and I pray that I will continue to bring honor to Parañaque and to the country)," he added.
Pacquiao is scheduled to leave for the United States today to prepare for his upcoming match against Mexican super featherweight Jorge Velasquez on Sept. l0 in Las Vegas. The winner of this fight will eventually face Erik Morales, the same fighter who beat him in a close match last March. — Michael Punongbayan