Lubao, Pampanga—Mayor Esmeralda Pineda and representatives from the National Historical Commission spearheaded the 110th birthday celebration Monday of former president Diosdado Macapagal at the official residence here.
“It was a simple celebration in honor of the former president, known as Cong Dadong, the only president of peasant origin,” said Pineda shortly after the program.
Pineda said it was fitting to mark the former president’s birthday in his hometown because of his service to the the country.
Macapagal, known as a reformist president, served as the ninth chuef executive of the Philippines from 1957 to 1961.
Restituto Aguilar of the NHC said: “The celebration this year was scaled down due to pandemic but we must not forget his contribution to the progress of our country.”
Aguilar said: “We at the NHC and the local government of Lubao have come up with simple celebrations in honor of the former president. Similar events are also being held in other places to pay tribute to a man popularly known as ‘the poor man from Lubao.”
“The NHC considers Macapagal as one of the great leaders who gave importance to the people and the country,” Aguilar said.
Other activities lined up by NHC, Aguilar said, included restoration of century-old churches and historical landmarks across the country.
At the same time, the NHC is preparing for the quintecennial celebration of the introduction of Christianity in the Philippines, following the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan on March 16, 1521.
“Next year is 2021 so it will be 500 years since Spanish conquered the Philippines,” said Aguilar.
Rebuilding of century-old churches and landmarks will be made in the Visayas and Mindanao areas.