MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan, (PNA) — Good deeds never go unnoticed.
Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and Vice Governor Daniel Fernando on Monday presented to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas the “Tanging Dangal ng Lipi”, the highest recognition being given to outstanding sons and daughters of Bulacan.
Alvarado said the week-long celebration of the annual Singkaban Fiesta has become more momentous with Roxas gracing the opening ceremony at the provincial capitol here.
“His presence has added significance to the Singkaban Fiesta because his ancestors has contributed immensely to the statehood and independence of our country,” the governor said.
Alvarado and Fernando welcomed the DILG secretary and held a brief meeting at the governor’s office with municipal and city mayors where they discussed programs on good governance.
This year’s celebration of the Singkaban Fiesta will culminate on the commemoration of the opening of the Malolos Congress in Barasoain Church on September 15.
The governor said that while the Singkaban Fiesta showcases the rich historical and cultural heritage of province of Bulacan, the provincial government also recognizes the great contribution of Bulakenyos who have excelled in their chosen field of endeavors and Roxas is one of them.
In his message delivered during the event, Alvarado said that Roxas has roots in Bulacan and belongs to the clan of Tagalog Gentlemen that helped shape the foundation of the country as a free and independent nation.
He said Roxas is the great grandson of Don Seferino Buencamino de Leon of San Miguel, Bulacan, who was among the members of the Malolos Congress in 1898. He also served as senator from 1919 to 1922.
Roxas’ grandmother Trinidad Roxas, a champion of women’s welfare, became first lady of the country. She married Manuel Roxas when the latter was still the governor of Capiz. They were married in a church in San Miguel , Bulacan.
Roxas’ father Gerardo was also a topnotch senator from 1963 to 1972.
Alvarado said that Secretary Roxas is a living epitome of self-sacrifice. He said Roxas has been serving the country for many years as congressman, senator and Cabinet secretary of the various government agencies such as DTI, DOTC and DILG.
He said the Singkaban Fiesta 2013 has become more significant with the presence of a great leader with true Blakeno blood.
He said Roxas shares the objectives of the Malolos Congress and the First Philippine Republic in which his ancestor played a major role.
He also explained that the Singkaban Fiesta serves as an inspiration to the public that like Roxas, Bulakenyos will also be excellent and outstanding on their endeavors no matter what field they are in.
The governor added that the annual celebration is a memento of the rich cultural heritage, artistry and uniqueness of each Bulakenyo that their ancestors had left.
Roxas, for his part, said that aside from the jovial festivity, it is also the time to revive the commitment of each Bulakenyo in nation building.
“We are here not to sing, not to recite a poem nor make a speech. This is the time to look back with the lessons given by our ancestors. This is the time to refresh the heroism, fight against poverty, battle against lost opportunities, fight against corruption and fight towards good future,” Roxas said.
He added that the sincere fight against poverty and corruption does not only happen once a year, it is a daily battle and everyone must respond to the challenge.
“There is a new challenge for us and we should be sincere against this fight. The call is continuous that if there is no corrupt, there is no poor,” he said.