MANILA, Philippines - Former senator Edgardo Angara yesterday led national and local officials in the commemoration of the 135th birth anniversary of former President Manuel Quezon at the Quezon Memorial Circle.
Joining him were Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, and relatives of the late president.
Angara, who hails from Baler like Quezon, urged the public to emulate the values of the former president, whom he described as his idol.
“President Quezon never let go of his dream to attain our independence,†said Angara.
The commemoration was moved from Liwasang Aurora to the Quezon Memorial Museum due to the rainy weather.
“He pushed for our independence, strengthened our sense of nationalism, and put meaning to nationhood,†Angara added.
Quezon, known as the Father of the Philippine National Language, was the president of the Philippine Commonwealth.
Angara said Quezon gave “flesh and blood†to the ideals of the Philippine revolution, citing the former president’s respect for human rights and social justice.
He said Quezon eyed the establishment of various government agencies, such as the National Economic Planning Office and the National Power Corp. to strengthen the country’s commerce and trade.