QUEZON CITY--It was the bravery of Ka Luis Taruc that made the town of San Luis very much feared by foreign invaders. It was his struggle and love for the "common tao" that inspired and will continue to inspire not only Filipinos but other nations as well.
Thus said San Luis Mayor Venancio "Asyong "Macapagal during Thursday's book launching of "Born of the People" an authobiography by Ka Luis Taruc, Supremo of the Hukbalahap and son of this town, held at the University of the Philippines Bahay Alumni .
"Today marks a new chapter in our life as a people. People whose struggles for independence, freedom and prosperity have been put to test, again and again," Macapagal said.
He said that looking back to the dark years of the past ,life was identical with sufferings, abuses and injustice that a leaders and heroes were "Born of the People."
"And it was also during those times that a man of poor origin, by the name of Luis M. Taruc, emerged as a leader. A leader of the peasant movement, the Supremo of the Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa mga Hapon or HUKBALAHAP," he said.
Macapagal said that the book lauching of "Born of the People" is the realization of Luis M. Taruc's dream of establishing a place where people can live in peace, freedom, justice, and prosperity.
"Let him know that the very place where he started his fight has put up a government which cares for it's people , providing amplr and quality services, a municipality that is a recipient of various awards and recognitions," Macapagal said.
Macapagal said that life of Ka Luis Taruc has been an inspiration tohim as a public servant, first as a director of PELCO 1 and then the Mayor of San Luis, where a "poor man" can overcome all odds to serve the people.
"Noon ako ay naging director ng PELCO hangang ngayon ako ay mayor ng atin bayan ay pinaglaban ko na ang karapatan ng mga malilit na tao, dahil katulad ni Ka Luis tayo ay nangaling sa isang mahirap na pamilya ngunit hindi ito naging hadlang para tayo ay makapag serbisyo sa kanila," Macapagal added.
He said that the municipality of San Luis, Pampanga in recognition of Ka Luis Taruc's contribution in society has renamed the town's park as Luis M. Taruc Freedom Park where a small museum was place in the park to remind the people especially the youth about his patriotism, heroism and good deeds.
"To the family of Luis M. Taruc, our town will always be grateful for sharing us his honor. We will always be proud to be Luisenios! That the late hero is our Kabalen! To the people behind this book Congratulations," Macapagal said.
Meanwhile Dr. Romeo B. Taruc, chaiman and President of the HUKVETS Association, Inc. and only son of the late Supremo, said that his father has not only inspired fellow filipinos but well known leaders like Nelson Mandela.
Rowena Francesca T. Sanchez, publisher of the book " Born of the People" will be available nationwide, adding that a movie film is in the works .
Attending the book launch and signing are Film/Video Director Dik Trofeo; National Artist Frankie Sionel Jose, former Bulacan Vice Gov. And former Congressman Willy Villiarama, Architect Andy Gulapa; LGU employees of San Luis and other guests.