Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Arroyo confers award on Pacquiao
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Monday gave the first Order of Lakandula, Rank of Champion for Life to Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao after his victory in a 12-round fight against Mexican boxer Oscar Larios Sunday.
Arroyo handed a plaque and gold medal to Pacquiao during simple ceremonies in Malacañang witnessed by members of his family, led by his father Rosalio, and supporters and government officials, led by Manila Mayor Jose "Lito" Atienza and Eric Buhain of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The President, during her official visit to Spain, explained that Order of Lakandula, Rank of Champion for Life award is similar to the Order of National Artists and Order of National Scientists awards but it aims to recognize and honor champions of sports, beauty and similar fields of competitions and achievements that had fostered extraordinary national pride and inspiration towards excellence.
She issued Executive Order (EO) 540 establishing the award last month with Pacquiao as the first recipient. The order amends EO 236 issued in September 2003, which established the Honors Code of the Philippines and the Order of Lankandula awards.
Arroyo, in issuing the new EO, said aside from Paqcuiao, she intends to confer the award to Precious Lara Quigaman, who won the Miss International 2005 title, the Mt. Everest Philippine team led by Heracleo Oracio, Romulo Garduce and Erwin Pastor Mata and the Filipino gold medallists in the 2006 Southeast Asian Games that were held in Manila early this year.
The President received Pacquiao in a 30-minute private audience before the awarding ceremony, which was followed by a photo opportunity. The Malacañang internal household affairs also handed Pacquiao a basket of chicken empanada in the shape of two "adult-size" gloves. The gloves even sported the Philippine flag.
The President, in escorting Pacquiao out of the Palace, said she failed to see the match "live" and had to watch the delayed version on television. "Pay per view kasi e," she said when asked if she was able to watch it.
Arroyo, who returned from her eight-day official visit to Italy and Spain on Sunday morning, said Presidential chief of staff Michael Defensor, who was still in Jakarta, called her up and immediately informed her of Pacquiao's victory even before she saw it.
She expressed hope that the unity displayed by Filipinos when they watched and supported Pacquiao last Sunday would be duplicated in other fields, particularly in the moving the country forward.
"Sunday, we celebrated the victory of our boxing hero Manny Pacquiao. As the entire nation stood still in yesterday's big fight at the Araneta Coliseum, I could not help but dream that one day we would see the same passion in the hearts of our leaders and all Filipinos in support of the common vision of the future," she said during the ninth Annual Asia Pacific Group meeting on Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.
"We have already won many struggles in our journey forward and one of them is the anti-money laundering law and as we prepare of more challenges that lies ahead. Including the even more vigorous implementation of this law and other reforms, we draw inspiration from the great fighters like of Manny Pacquiao who can knock down the obstacles along the way and the beat the odds. We are on our way to the championship of the Filipino in the world arena on the back of our innate excellence, enterprising spirits and courage as a people," she added.
Pacquiao, in an ambush interview, said he is very happy with the award and he is thankful for the prayers and continued support that he got from Filipinos, particularly his supporters and other officials like Arroyo and Atienza.
He also expressed hope that the people would unite and work together for the sake of the country.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Pacquiao is very deserving of the award and the title "champion for life".
Ermita said Paqcuiao is a source of national pride and honor as he now hugs international headlines. "In America (he is) the boxer that's much being talked about (now). Before it's Muhammad Ali, (Mike) Tyson in the newspapers. Now it's Manny Pacquaio," he said.
He said the award may not include any monetary incentive but once it is conferred, it would not be withdrawn. He said Pacquiao is the first boxer to receive such title. (JMR/Sunnex)
(July 4, 2006 issue)
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