LUBAO — A top official of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has urged the Filipino youth to take inspiration from former President Diosdado Macapagal in helping others despite their social status.
NHCP executive director Carminda Arevalo lauded Macapagal’s dedication to public service since his younger years in Lubao town, until he was elected as the country’s chief executive.
Arevalo made the statement during the commemoration of Macapagal’s 113th birth anniversary held at the Aklatan ni Diosdado Macapagal in Lubao town.
“Makikita natin sa history kung paano dinedicate ni Diosdado Macapagal ang kanyang buhay para sa Pilipinas. Tayo rin bilang mga Pilipino, sa ating mga simpleng paraan, ay tumulong tayo para mapaunlad ang ating bayan,” she said.
Arevalo said that by helping other people in various ways will be beneficial to the nation.
“Hindi naman kailangan na maging presidente tayo. Nagawa ito ni Diosdado Macapagal simula noong pagkabata niya. Lahat naman tayo simpleng tao lang, pero isipin natin parati, may nagawa ba tayo para sa ikauunlad ng bayan natin?,” she said.
Former Vice Governor Cielo Macapagal Salgado thanked the national and local government for continuously remembering her father’s legacy.
She said the annual commemoration of President Diosdado Macapagal’s birth and death anniversary provides an opportunity for youth to get to know the hero's contributions.
“Even itong modest museum dedicated to my father can serve as inspiration to the youth na kahit hirap sa buhay, basta may sipag at tiyaga, may mararating tayo sa buhay,” Salgado said.