Padilla: NRP’s community development projects on focus

TWO Years ago, the City of Baguio Filipino-American Friendship Day Committee presented to me a “Certificate of Appreciation,” in recognition of my humble but sustained interest and involvement in the promotion of Fil-Am brotherhood relationship since I was a City Tourism Director in the 70’s and a City Councilor in the 1990’s.

Through the kind understanding and generosity of friends and admirers and the officers and member of the National Correspondents Club of Baguio (NCCB), yours truly initiated and coordinated the construction of the Architect Daniel H. Burnham and Col. Lyman W. Kennon Monuments at Burnham Park and along the famous zigzag road near the viewpoint, honoring the pioneer American Baguio city government officials at the start of the

19th century. Baguio was an American “Dream City!”

In a nutshell, the Planner of the City of Baguio Architect Burnham Monument was inaugurated on December 27, 1902 with US Ambassador to the Philippines Richard H. Solomon as the unveiling of the monument guest of honor and speaker. He was, of course, given a heartwarming VIP “tuloy po kayo” reception by City Mayor Mauricio Domogan and Congressman Bernardo Vergara. Bishop Ernesto Selgado blessed the edifice. Ambassador Solomon was honored with an Ifugao Cañao and a Drum and Bugle corps and Drum and Lyre corps festival after the historic inaugural program.

On the other hand, Jusmag Commander Col. Mathias Velasco, from the US Embassy, Manila, was the guest of honor and speaker during the unveiling rites of the Col. Lyman W. Kennon Monument which took place on July 4, 2005, marking the 100 year Centennial Anniversary edition of the world famous mountain highway Kennon Road. City Mayor Braulio Yaranon, Vice Mayor Reinaldo Bautista Jr. and City Administrator Carlos Canilao were at the fore of city government, PNP-Military WW II veterans, national athletes and NCCBers entourage who attended the special event. Col. Velasco accompanied by his wife Michele and their daughter Lt. Jenifer from the U.S. Army. Monsignor Carlito Cenzon, Vicar Apostole of the City of Baguio belled the monument.

The spread of Fil-Am brotherhood pictures in my column this week demonstrates the 24-karat gold relationship between our two countries based on mutual respect, the ongoing educational, trade and commerce and other community development projects and most of all our binding belief in the principles and ideals of democracy as a form of government.

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