The time & date in Clark, Philippines is

Capampangans pay tribute to former President Diosdado Macapagal

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Sept. 29 (PNA) — A celebration commemorating the 100th birth anniversary of late former President Diosdado P. Macapagal on Tuesday took place here where Capampangans remembered the life and work of the province’s most illustrious and well-respected son.

As early as 7 a.m., hundreds of local residents gathered in this city to join with some national and local officials in a simple wreath-laying ceremony at the Macapagal monument located at the provincial capitol compound.

Governor Lilia G. Pineda, along with officials of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Department of Education and some local executives, led the ceremony that kicked off the birth centenary celebration of the country’s ninth president.

This was followed by a motorcade to Lubao town, the birthplace of the late President who was fondly called “Apung Dadong” by his cabalens.

A concelebrated mass officiated by San Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto was held at the San Agustin Parish Church, right before the unveiling of the Macapagal bust.

Macapagal’s daughter and likewise former President, now second district Representative, Gloria M. Arroyo, led the ceremonial program which were highlighted with the presentation of commemorative stamps and the signing of the deed of donation of the Diosdado Macapagal Museum and Library.

Next stop is the Pampanga High School, Macapagal’s alma mater, where a marker in his name was unveiled as part of the commemorative activities.

The birth centenary is likewise observed in various institutions here.

The Angeles University Foundation (AUF) mounted a month-long photo exhibit on the life and times of Apung Dadong at SM City Clark and SM City San Fernando, sponsored a memorial lecture by Hilarion M. Henares, Jr., chair of the National Museum of the Philippines, a wreath-laying ceremony at the University’s main lobby and an inter-high school Kapampangan poetry competition.

Posters on the birth centenary also adorned the many shops and boutiques of malls in the province.

Other schools also paid special tributes to Macapagal in school programs and classroom activities to acquaint the young generation with the valuable contributions of the late former President to the country.

Pineda, also a native of Lubao town, summed up Macapagal’s legacy when she said “The story of his life from rags to riches, from poverty to the Presidency, were marked with his signature humility, honesty, hard work and integrity, more than enough reason for his memory to be revered by his ‘cabalens’ and countrymen”.

Some cabalens have also shared fond memories with the late President.

Septuagenarian Alejandra Tuazon of Sto. Tomas town remembers having been very happy when Apong Dadong became the first Kapampangan President of the Philippines.

Octogenarian Josefina Punsalan, a former public school teacher, regard the years leading to the Macapagal presidency as part of the golden years of governance. “He remained clean, untainted by any charge of corruption, and he projected honesty, integrity and humility, even while holding the highest post in the land”.
These are only a few instances which validate why Capampangans and non-Capampangans alike hold Apung Dadong in high esteem, even to this day. (PNA)
V3/ZST/JM/ps

---

If this article about Clark is useful to you, please click here to contact us to tell us what more you wish to know about this article or Clark Philippines, which can be something about Clark investment, about Clark resorts, about Clark Swimming and Leisure or simply general news about Clark.

---

Please send questions to Editor@ClarkPhilippines.com. Leave your name, email address, contact numbers and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Information received will not be disclosed.

---