July 13 declared National Day of Remembrance for Dolphy

MANILA - Malacañang declared July 13 a national day of remembrance to honor the memory of the late Comedy King Rodolfo "Dolphy" Quizon Sr.

President Benigno Aquino III issued on Thursday Proclamation no. 433, hours after he visited the wake of the comedian at The Heritage Park in Taguig City.

Dolphy died of multiple organ failure at the Makati Medical Center last Tuesday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President issued the proclamation in recognition of how the nation deeply feels the passing of the Comedy King.

In its proclamation, Aquino said it is appropriate to mark the memory of Dolphy’s contributions to Philippine culture, arts, and entertainment.

"On the Day of National Remembrance, to honor the memory of the late Rodolfo "Dolphy" Quizon Sr., the President asks all our countrymen to reflect on the art and artistry, the personal kindness and generosity, and deep patriotism of Dolphy, and the manner in which he exemplified in his works and life the positive values of the Filipino people. The President asks all our countrymen to make this Day of Remembrance a celebration of the full life that Dolphy, with utmost generosity, shared with the country," Valte said.

The President cited Dolphy as a man who will live on in Philippine cultural history—and in the hearts of many of his countrymen.

"President Aquino said that every milestone that Dolphy marked in a career that spanned decades, raised the standards of the entertainment industry, and strengthened our cultural identity, giving innumerable aspirants an example to look up to," Valte said.

The President also cited Dolphy as a philanthropist, whose encouragement of charitable causes was driven by a deep-rooted recognition of the promise to his fellowmen and a genuinely generous heart.

"But that even as we grieve the loss of a cultural icon and a master of his field, we should never forget that Dolphy made generations of Filipinos laugh; he was unparalleled in tapping into our inherently jovial spirit—that both challenges and triumphs could be met with optimism and cheer; and that therefore, this was the greatest gift he gave the Filipino people, and this is the kindness that he will always be remembered for: Dolphy was relentless in reminding us all to always open ourselves to joy," Valte added.

Aquino has been vocal of his admiration to the late Comedy King. He also favors Dolphy to be named National Artist, citing the latter’s great contribution in the Philippine entertainment industry for over six decades.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts said Thursday the nomination for the national artist award of the late Comedy King should go through the process of selection.

The President's proclamation is in keeping with the wishes expressed by Dolphy himself, and his family, that he be remembered not with sadness, but with the same warmth and joy he brought to the lives of millions throughout his career, Valte said.

Aquino also is studying a proposal to declare the burial day of Philippine's King of Comedy as national day of mourning. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)