LUBAO The ‘Poor Boy from Lubao,’ former President Diosdado Macapagal, was able to rise from poverty and later on became the 9th Chief Executive of the Philippines.

Macapagal’s success in life and politics is significantly credited to his perseverance on his studies.

In his early years, he graduated valedictorian in Lubao Elementary School, and salutatorian at Pampanga High School.

Macapagal finished his pre-law and law degree, and post-graduate courses through scholarships and his being a working student.

“Binigyan talaga ni Lolo (Macapagal) ng importansya ang pag-aaral,” said Macapagal’s grandson Diosdado Martin Macapagal-Salgado.

He recalled stories of how his grandfather strived to finish his studies despite poverty.

“At kahit na pulitiko na siya, nagdoctorate pa rin siya sa economics para makasiguro siya na alam niya ang ginagawa niya,” Salgado said.

Salgado represented the Macapagal family during the commemoration rites of the late former president’s 112th birth anniversary.

The ceremony was held on Tuesday morning in his home barangay, San Nicolas 1st here.

It was hosted by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the local government of Lubao.

Mayor Esmie Pineda said the youth of today must take inspiration from the life of Macapagal.

“Maging role model sana siya sa mga kabataan, lalong-lalo na sa mga estudyante na nahihirapan ngayon. Makakalampas rin sa kahirapan basta sabayan ng sipag at tiyaga lalo na sa pag-aaral,” she said.

Pineda said financially-challenged students can seek assistance from the local government here.

“May scholarship program ang munisipyo at by next year magiging fixed na ito kaya lumapit lang sila sa amin. Nakabukas naman parati ang pintuan mg munisipyo,” she said.