Robredo: Emulate Garcia's simplicity and nationalism

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines  --The celebration of the 115th birthday anniversary of the late President Carlos P. Garcia yesterday, November 4, was an opportunity to relive the traits and principles that Filipinos need to inculcate for a better country.

This was the gist of Local Government Secretary Jess Robredo's keynote speech during the commemorative program for the annual event held at the Bohol Cultural Center here.

The traits and principles on simplicity and nationalism that the late Boholano president lived by were emphasized by the DILG secretary.

He said: "Ang mga palamuti at karangyaan ay hindi makapagbibigay ng saysay sa buhay ng ating mamamayan ... Si President Garcia siniseguro niya na ang bawat sentimo na ipinagkatiwala sa kanya gagamitin niya sa mga bagay na may saysay sa buhay nating lahat ... At dahil hindi ibig sabihin na ang mahusay ay matino; na ang matino ay mahusay. Kaya dapat (ang ating mga leader) ay mahusay at matino."

The leaders of Bohol had emulated Garcia's traits and principles, resulting in Bohol's reaping of the Best Province award in 2010, said Robredo as he cited the late president for involvement in both the public and private sectors.

Garcia introduced the Filipino First Policy at the height of war when the people were also fond of any thing from foreign lands. The challenge now is to lead the matuwid na daan (right path) as espoused by the present Aquino administration, said Robredo.

Governor Edgar Chatto, for his part, underscored the event's theme: Traits and Principles of President Carlos P. Garcia, Challenge to Modern Times, while describing Garcia as a simple person who was also an artist, a poet, an orator, a chess player and a public servant, being a public school teacher then.

Garcia represents what a good Boholano is, and a respected Filipino in the international arena. "He was a man of civil society, a man of government and maybe of business sector. He was involved in all these sectors. He knew their thoughts and aspirations. During his time as president, he made our country among those with best the economy in Asia," said Chatto.

Other activities during the CPG Day were Foyer Honors and 21-gun salute, followed by the wreath-laying at CPG's monument at the New Capitol Site. The Boy Scouts of the Philippines and the Girl Scouts of the Philippines-Bohol Councils gave a tribute to Garcia as the most illustrious son of Bohol.

Provincial Board Member Godofreda Tirol, vice-chair of the education committee, then presented the 138 CPG scholars funded by the provincial government.

The CPG awards for outstanding Boholanos were also conferred on Msgr. Margarito Gonzaga for public service, Reynaldo Monreal for cultural advocacy, Marjorie Evasco for arts and literature in poetry and Regional Development Council (RDC)-7 co-chair Argeo Melisimo for arts and literature in music.

Robredo later witnessed the signing of the MOA and turn-over of the management of the CPG Museum between the provincial government and the CPG Foundation. CPG's son-in-law, lawyer Fernando Campos, signed the MOA, representing the Garcia family and as secretary general of the foundation.

The secretary also led the ceremonial kick off of three projects such as the restoration/renovation and construction of the CPG Museum, Provincial Roads Management Facility Year 2 and Year 3 Road Rehabilitation/Maintenance projects and DPWH-funded road projects. (FREEMAN)