August 21, 2008

Foundation Recognizes Liberal Leaders for Excellence in Government Service

21 August 2008 marked the 25th anniversary of the assassination of former Senator Ninoy Aquino and the 37th anniversary of the bombing of Plaza Miranda. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty, the National Institute for Policy Studies and the Liberal Party of the Philippines (LP) marked this day of valor by honoring the LP’s present day heroes of government service: Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, former Senate President Jovito Salonga and Isabela Governor Grace Padaca. Liberals gathered at Club Filipino, San Juan to extol their examples of good governance and to applaud their recognition by the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation.

Dr. Milwida Guevarra, 2008 Yorac Awardee for Public Service, opened the program by explaining how through Mayor Robredo’s leadership Naga City was able to meet most of the Millennium Development goals. She said that good governance is his greatest legacy to his people.

Mayor Robredo (Ramon Magsaysay Awardee 2000) responded by saying that in honoring him, the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation has also honored the Party. He said that he was proud to be a member of the LP and to be associated with men and women who stand for reform. He also added that the award has “significantly contributed to the city’s becoming a vibrant, self-reliant, caring and responsive community that isn’t afraid to challenge the injustices of a dehumanized society.” It has also paved the way for the “people’s quest for meaningful politics and governance.”

Speaking on the quest for good governance, Kilosbayan Vice President Quintin Doromal introduced former Senator Jovito Salonga as one who has always placed the people first. He talked about the former senator’s remarkable integrity and lauded him for donating his award money to various causes.

Former Sen. Salonga (Ramon Magsaysay Awardee 2007) recounted the bombing of Plaza Miranda and how he was critically injured. “My bones have been broken, my hearing and my sight have been impaired. But that does not matter as long as we do not allow them to break our indomitable spirit, and our desire to serve the very poor and the very weak among our people,” he said.

Drawing on the courage of former Senators Salonga and Aqiuno, Harvey Keh, director for youth leadership and social entrepreneurship of the Ateneo School of Government, introduced another person of great courage. He called Gov. Padaca a woman of undying passion for service and an icon of servant leadership. He thanked her for being a symbol of hope and said “with Filipinos like her, indeed, the Filipino is worth dying for.”

Gov. Padaca (Ramon Magsaysay Awardee 2008) said that her award for government service emphasizes the Party’s “efforts to empower people to exercise their democratic right.” It also serves as a reminder that change is possible.

LP President Mar Roxas lauded the honorees for being accomplished in each of their own fields. He said each of their stories is “reflective of their love for our country, their love for our people and their total commitment to service.” “Their stories set a bar, such that we too might aspire for the greatness, the commitment and the accomplishment that they have already shown throughout their lives.”