By James Carlo Santiago
"𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳. 𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘶𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴. 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘸𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦—𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦,” — words from the late fifth President of the Republic of the Philippines, Manuel Acuña Roxas.
As we engage in diverse political perspectives and listen to various statements from local officials, senators, and even the country's president, this is the particular quote that deeply resonates with me—a quote that all Filipinos should hear.
Seventy-six years have passed since the untimely death of President Manuel Roxas, a prominent figure in Philippine history. Hailing from Capiz, Roxas made a significant impact on the country's political landscape, leaving behind a legacy of visionary leadership.
Many landmarks in the archipelago have been named after him as a tribute, showcasing the lasting impact he had. These include locations such as Roxas City in Capiz, where he was born, as well as the capital of President Roxas municipality and Roxas Boulevard in Metro Manila. Furthermore, his likeness can be seen on the 100-peso bill, constantly reminding people of his significant contributions to the advancement of the nation.
April 15 holds great significance as it marks the commemoration of Roxas's death anniversary. It was exactly 76 years ago when a tragic incident occurred at Clark Air Base in Pampanga, resulting in his passing due to a heart attack. In his final moments, he was engaged in delivering a speech to members of the 13th Air Force, exemplifying his unwavering dedication to public service until his very last breath.
In Roxas City, various government officials are offering heartfelt tributes, echoing the sentiments of Mayor Ronnie Dadivas. The community is honoring the enduring quote "country above self" through thoughtful wreath-laying ceremonies and moments of reflection.
As the city pays tribute to its esteemed president, his legacy serves as a guiding light, inspiring future generations to embrace values of integrity, dedication, and selflessness in their service to the country.