INTRODUCTION TO THE GUEST SPEAKER By Abe N. Margallo
Mabalos, Dulce (Dr. Bismonte)
Mayor Madel Alfelor-Gazmen
Monsignor Jonie Aguirre
USANT President Nonoy Ortega
UNEP President Peachy Alfelor-Moraleda
Fr. Ed Dura
Commissioner Enteng De Lima
Sister Felicitas De Lima
Chairman Atcho Margallo
Our distinguished guests tonight
My fellow Irigueños and Magbinaydan participants and supporters
Ladies and gentlemen.
I thought I would have a very easy role tonight which was to introduce our Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker.
It was an easy role because our Guest of Honor did not really need an introduction to an audience like you that is always in the know.
Besides Chairman Atcho has warned me beforehand not to get carried away again and keep my introduction short.
(Chairman Atcho was probably just getting even because he had asked me to look at his speech and I decided to cut it down to half.)
I actually intended to be very brief and planned to have just said: “Ladies and gentlemen, our Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker tonight is none other than THE NEXT WOMAN PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES . . . and then I’d be out here . . . and say “Thank you very much. Good night.”
The not so fortunate news however is that last night we were told that the Secretary of Justice, our Guest of Honor and Keynote Speaker, would be unable to join our celebration tonight because of a medical emergency. The good part of the unfortunate news is that according to her email the medical procedure is not that serious to worry her family, friends and town mates. Let’s pray however for her quick recovery.
Consequently, allow me to tell you anyway the reason why we have extended our invitation to our much esteemed Secretary of Justice to be our Guest of Honor.
To do that I will defy Chairman Atcho – because it will take me a few minutes to accomplish this – and relate the decision to invite our Secretary of Justice to the theme of Magbinaydan 2011: “Celebrating with Our Roots.”
Come to think of it, Leila has been in the daily news mill nowadays more often than, well, Kris Aquino. And even President Noynoy Aquino himself on a lot of occasions. She is just the darling of the press and the media right now because of the honesty, competence and integrity that she evinces – sterling qualities that are extremely in demand in public service today.
There’s this sense that she could top the combined newsworthiness of Eddie Ilarde and Nora Aunor, both Irigueños, during their prime.
Indeed, Irigueños have a great tradition of celebrating with their roots and celebrating their roots. Again celebrating with our roots and celebrating our roots. The distinction is more than semantics.
For instance, going back to Eddie Ilarde - he was then the host of the very popular noontime show “Student Canteen”- when he made a successful essay into politics and was elected councilor of Pasay City, he gladly shared his success with his hometown, returning to Iriga as a true and proud Irigueño. Councilor Ilarde even brought with him, to Mabini Memorial Colleges, now UNEP, his co-host Leila Benitez and Bobby Ledesma. Eddie, who went on to become a senator of the Republic, celebrated with his roots.
The Ilarde event was a defining moment for Iriga and Irigueños.
I also remember that Larry Madara and Manny Alfie (Mayor Manny Alfelor), with a couple of other friends, paid tribute to Nora Aunor, the train station water vendor who had been on her way to stardom and then an icon in Philippine entertainment. Larry, Awel and friends celebrated their roots by paying tribute to Nora Aunor.
And so, today, when we hear about Vanessa Rigoroso hovering over war-torn Iraq on a fighter jet plane, or when we learn that the other Vanessa, Vanessa Leonardo, joined the rolls of attorney of the State of California, we, Irigueños, celebrate our roots.
Or when Larry Lee, my friend, became the first Irigueño to obtain the rank of general as a Senior Executive Officer of the United States Air Force and when Don Albia took over as the commanding officer of a naval hospital that serves the largest Marine Corps base in the United States, we, Irigueños, celebrated our roots.
When the activism of Pura Magistrado Velasco succeeded to change the legislative landscape in Canada on the treatment of caregivers, Filipino caregivers in particular, we, Irigueños, celebrated our roots.
But when Larry, Don and Pura come home to Iriga to participate in the missions of Magbinaydan 2011, they celebrated with their roots.
Irigueños were greatly honored too and proudly celebrated their roots because of the outstanding military achievements of the late Efren Orbon, my cousin and childhood friend, who retired a three-star general of the Philippine Army. We celebrated our roots when Lucio Margallo IV (Manolo) was awarded the coveted title as the Most Outstanding Policeman of the country and conferred a Medal of Valor. We celebrated our roots when Manoy Enteng De Lima was appointed as commissioner to a constitutional body, the COMELEC, or when the late Emilia Boncodin joined the cabinet of the Arroyo administration as the Secretary of the Budget and Management.
In much the same breadth, we celebrated our roots when Mon Malaya, Manoy Badong, Mayette Alamazan have been given distinguished service awards in the states where they practice their noble medical profession.
The list of Irigueño high achievers is actually long: Lilia De Lima, my Ninang, possibly the longest serving senior career officer in the country with the rank of undersecretary, Ed Malaya and Ric Marasigan (Filipino Diplomats), Larry Madara (Bank President), Loreto Cabañes (Manila Bulletin’s Business Editor) and of course Fr. Ed Dura, the pastor of Bay Area’s Quiapo Church, the 160-year old Church of St. Patrick of San Francisco, California.
Indeed the list is quite long.
And yet we don’t stop there. We celebrate our roots not only because Irigueños have reached the high points of their achievements; we celebrate with our roots not only in times of fortunes and bounty but also during misfortunes, or in times of need and want.
We, Irigueños, respond with generosity, we share and care when natural disaster and calamities visit our region. We try to fill the gaps during trying times, when there is want in basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter for our town mates, or shortage in basic medical care, and on the whole, deprivation of individual dignity, human rights and justice.
Ladies and gentlemen, when Leila has taken the helm of the Human Rights Commission as its Chairperson, I was extremely personally elated, being a human rights lawyer myself, and proudly celebrated our roots.
As Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights, Leila lost no time to protect and uphold human rights. She promptly enlisted the services of international experts and made certain that justice was served for all the victims of the heinous Maguindanao massacre where the suspects were perceived to be so close to the powers that be- at that time.
Now, as Secretary of Justice, she hit the ground running dispensing individual justice to the underprivileged or those who may belong to the minority. The release of the “Morong 43” at her behest comes to mind. It appears that the 43 individuals who were taken into custody by the military at Morong, Rizal (hence, the name “Morong 43”) were health workers doing, and listen to this now, doing medical mission.
Even as an alter ego of the President, Leila was seen, and I think rightly so, to have taken exception from the decision of the Palace to exclude some seemingly untouchable politicians and individuals, among them the Mayor of Manila and a presidential adviser and personal friend of the President, from the indictments she recommended in relation to the Manila hostage crisis. I thought that was a class act. Every well-meaning Filipino should salute a daughter of Iriga for that act of moral courage.
Only last week Leila ordered a very sensitive probe into the allegations of massive corruptions in the military involving former chiefs of staff and vowed to prosecute the generals if he evidence so warrants. The consequences of that act of moral courage are still unfolding even as I speak.
On the other hand, political and economic analysts consider our Leila as the most valuable cabinet member of the Aquino Administration, so much so that her appointment per se as the person in charge of the Department of Justice has, according to analysts, helped investors’ confidence in the Philippines.
Yes, the integrity and competence of one woman alone has boosted what theretofore had been a lackadaisical Philippine economy. And that woman was the same schoolgirl molded to become a true Irigueño by the sisters and educators of La Consolacion Academy, who blossomed to become a bar “topnotcher,” a high-caliber election lawyer, Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights and now, the Honorable Secretary of Justice.
Secretary of Justice is the same office held by Filipinos of great mind, conviction and fortitude like Jose Adad Santos, Jose P. Laurel, Jose Yulo, Jose P. Bengson and Jose W. Diokno.
The holder of that office today is a true Irigueño and her first name is not even Jose.
Ladies and gentlemen and fellow Irigueños. Magbinayan 2011 is another defining moment for Iriga and Irigueños. A celebration with our roots as we celebrate our roots.
Mabalos.
Message
By
LEILA M. DE LIMA
Secretary, Department of Justice
Maray na banggi.
It is with great regret that I now send my deepest apologies for not being with you in person. Know that it would have been my pleasure and honor to spend this day with you, my fellow Irigueños, in celebration of this festive event, especially this gala night. It would have been a welcome respite to my usual schedule to be around family, friends and townmates. Given a choice, I would have gladly taken the opportunity to join all of you in celebrating this grand Irigueño homecoming. Unfortunately, however, circumstances are such that I must now ask for your understanding for my absence.
As I have already had occasion to state, I am truly proud of my heritage as a Bicolana, and especially an Irigueña. The relationship that we have is something truly remarkable. Wherever we may be found – whether in the nation’s capital, some other metropolis, in far-flung regions of the archipelago, or just about anywhere within the four corners of the world – we have the innate ability to find each other. I would like to believe that this is not just because we know how to wear our birthright with pride, but also because, through our actions, we are able to distinguish ourselves through our industry, principles and competence in our chosen field, such that we naturally gravitate towards one another wherever we may be.
This is what makes this event, the Magbinaydan 2011, truly special – it provides an excellent opportunity for us, the children of the City of Iriga, to gather in our hometown. Some of us are presently based in different locations, within the Philippines or abroad, hence, we rarely have this opportunity to get reacquainted with one another on such a large scale. Not only that, we also have the singular privilege of being given the chance to lend our collective hand to the accomplishment of various community projects for the benefit our town and townmates. This is the gift of philanthropy that makes Magbinaydan not just festive, but also socially active and responsive initiative from a people that knows how to honor their roots in meaningful ways.
This, I feel is a common sentiment among our people – we do not merely aim to succeed, we aim to make a difference. Whatever personal benefits we may gain along the way, such are only secondary to the feeling of accomplishment that we get when we know that we can finally honestly say that we will leave this world better than we found it.
That is the attitude by which I try to live my life – both on a personal and professional level. Ever since I entered public service, I have had the feeling that everything I went through up to that point was all but preparation for what still lay ahead. I feel that the true measure of my success as a lawyer, as a Filipino citizen and as a human being will be the good that I could humbly contribute in bringing forth true and meaningful change, which would be felt by our fellow citizens, especially those who have less in life.
In this sense, therefore, I cannot help but take very seriously all the challenges that lie ahead – not just on a professional level, but on a personal challenge. All because this sense of pride that I have – as a Bicolana and an Irigueña – comes with a concomitant sense of obligation to live a worthwhile, which is a sentiment that, I know, I share with you all.
Events such as this remind me, therefore, that I do not stand alone. That when all else fails, I have my family, friends, and my brothers and sisters in Iriga, who will stand with me for as long as I stand up for what I believe is right. Such is the kind of support and encouragement that give me courage to face the daily travails of being the Secretary of Justice, which I can candidly say is perhaps the most challenging role I’ve taken on thus far.
Thank you to the organizers for thinking of me while putting together this event, and for inviting me to be your guest of honor. Although I was not able to attend in person tonight, I am ever mindful of the honor you have given me. I bring your thoughts and encouragement with me every day.
Dios mabalos!
Closing Remarks
by Atcho Margallo, MB2011 Chair
The Honorable Mayor, Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen,
USANT President, Atty. Nonoy Ortega,
UNEP President, Atty. Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda
Msgr. Jonie Aguirre,
Fr. Ed Dura.
Ladies and gentlemen, relatives and friends.
Wow! It is amazing we really made this far.
Do you think you still have some spare energy for the dance tonight?
But, beforehand you have to deal with my speech. Don’t you worry, It’s going to be short, I promise.
Once upon a time . . . ha ha ha.
Seriously now, I am quite overwhelmed about what transpired during the last few days here in Iriga. I was given a chance to witness (and of course participate in) how LOVE, SHARING AND DEDICATION worked and the results have so far been demonstrated by the success of the various projects which we’ve planned for our HOME, Iriga, our beloved City. Even at this point I’m proud to say “mission accomplished.”
I know what some of you are thinking right now, but this one is for REAL. I’m not quite sure of the other.
For the sake of those who would be interested to know the projects we have undertaken, I’ll be so honored to present them again to you.
The Medical & Humanitarian Outreach, our flagship project, which was participated in by some loving and caring medical professionals and students, and volunteers who have whole-heartedly committed themselves to the mission. All those dedication and invaluable resources that have been shared have given lots of hope to our fellow taga-Iriga.
The Reforestation Project that was initially started last August. We planted approximately 15,000 trees of several varieties to carefully selected sites at Mt. Iriga. The planting was concluded last Monday, but we will continue to maintain those trees until they can really grow.
The House Repair Project involving 75 pre-selected recipients.
Our unique “Book for Tots” Project in partnership with our school district and the National Bookstore for our public school students.
We also have the distribution of relief goods, used and new clothes and our ‘tsinelas’ project, and more.
Mga kanguran, my brothers and sisters, all these projects I mentioned have equally significant values no matter the quantity or quality, for, to me, what really matters are the thoughts behind the giving and how the giving was received.
Yet, I have to confess, the reforestation of Mt. Iriga is one of my favorites. Let's put this project into some sort of perspective in relation to the fight to save our globally ailing environment.
You know what, I grew up at the foot of that mountain. I attempted to climb it a few times with my brothers when I was a kid, and we never made it to the top. But I said to myself, it’s going to happen one of these days.
But wait a minute, I think we actually made it to the ‘baby’ one, the Mt. Iliyan, bukong ano hermanong Abe? We even set up our old bed sheet like a flag next to the bugnay tree, and we were so excited when we made it to the top because we could view from there the Iriga Central School and ALATCO. But if I remember accurately the bed sheet that we made into a flag was Tessie’s.
The highest peak of the mountain has been our ultimate goal but for now let’s strive to save the mountain first by all means. At the end of the day, Mt. Sumagang will protect us down here. It will guard the growth and the continuous development of this beautiful City of Spring.
Mga kanguran, at this juncture, please join me to applaud all the tireless volunteers from top to bottom who came forward with no hesitation to share their unsolicited time and efforts to make all these projects a reality.
In behalf of the Magbinaydan family, please allow me extend my thanks to our beloved Mayor Madel for her leadership in building and growing our City such as the construction of the new public market with a beautiful contemporary architecture that defines the streetscape of our main business thoroughfare. I also would like to say thank you to the entire Mayor’s staff.
We thank you Atty. Nonoy Ortega for the re-development of the Iriga Plaza Hotel and its “mixed-use” complex while preserving its historic importance.
Our most sincere appreciation also goes to Msgr. Jonnie Aguirre for initiating the rehabilitation of our St. Anthony Parish Church.
I thank you Dr. Laarni Acasio, for your excellent leadership as the local chairman of the Magbinaydan Humanitarian Outreach. I thank you Mayen de las Llagas as our very hardworking and always available US-based coordinator of the medical mission.
My special thanks goes to our cousin Dr. Mayette Almazan, for sharing her valuable experience from two successful medical missions here in Iriga and for serving as key consultant for the MB2011 medical mission.
Thanks pinsan Dr. Laure Nagrampa who chaired the reforestation project, and to his wife Dr. Marivic Nagrampa who led our visual team.
My special thanks to the Iriga Parish council, who collectively and unselfishly contributed their time, efforts and facility as our main Magbinaydan 2011stakeholder and partner.
Thank you to Dr. Romer Trinidad who headed the dental team.
To my big brother Dr. Lucio Margallo, who single-handedly initiated the biggest fundraising effort that jump-started the financing of our projects. He also served as medical mission adviser.
Thank you Fr. Ed Dura for your spiritual as well as, not the least, your management advices.
And much more thanks to the following:
Guy Ruben Llagas for the forthcoming golf outing.
Thess Filio from Canada, although she is not here tonight. She initiated the biggest souvenir program ads campaign in Canada.
Abe Margallo for your wise counsels and for serving as our webmaster.
Ms. Deli Alfelor-Tibi and the UNEP administration for hosting the Cultural Night and the Tribute for Outstanding Unepians and Mabinians.
To USANT for hosting a very entertaining night for the MB2011 participants.
To IBAA for their solid support for MB2011.
To the Guy Jesters International for hosting the MB2011 Hawaiian Night.
To my other big brother Daldo who masterminded our very artistic souvenir program. He teamed up with my brother-in-law, Pepe Sesno.
To Eilen Jacob Diamante, our very energetic ECI leader.
To Col. Larry Lee who authored the Book for Tots project.
To Guy Ernie Rigoroso for leading our successful ECI fund raising golf tournament in Virginia.
To all who donated, supported and participated in the MB 2011, and our fellow Iriguenos who did not make it to our occasion but purchased ads for our souvenir program to help us financially.
And of course, to my wife Josie and son Matt for their love and support.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the presence of Dr. Eddie Nepomuceno the lead organizer of the first Iriga reunion in New Jersey in 1987. Along with him are the folks from NJ, please stand and remain standing.
I would like to let you know that this reunion in NJ has inspired the Magbinaydans.
In 2001 about a week before the 9/11,hermanong Abe, our mom Isabel and I were driving to Virginia Beach to attend the Piñafrancia fiesta. We were invited by Bobby and Manay Sonia Vargas to celebrate the fiesta with them. We do this almost every year.
During our trip, I told my brother Abe that I think it's about time to have another Iriga reunion and then the discussion has continued for four hours, that's how long the trip was.
The following evening at the Vargases, with small group of Irigueños, while celebrating the Penafrancia fiesta, another fiesta was born. That was the Magbinaydan 2002.
And here we are, ladies and gentlemen, the organizer of MB 2002, the East Coast Irigueños, please stand and be proud of yourselves.
Incidentally, I am also a proud member of the ECI.
Further acknowledgement goes to the organizer of the MB 2005 in Canada, the Irigueños Sadi Canada.
Please stand to be recognized.
We also would like to acknowledge the Irigueños of Vienna, Austria who made possible the unforgettable MB2008. We have here Edsel Angeles and Estella Magistrado Panesa, bravo!
I can't wait to announce this one, the next venue of Magbinaydan 2014 will be in . . . the beautiful island of Hawaii.
Mabalos kaninyo ngamin.
