QC commemorates President Quezon’s 72nd death anniversary

QUEZON CITY, Aug. 03 (PIA)--In commemoration of the 72nd death anniversary of Commonwealth President Manuel L. Quezon on Monday, (Aug. 1), the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), with the support of the Quezon City Local Government, spearheaded an Honorary Tribute at the Quezon Memorial Shrine.   

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte, together with other city officials attended the tribute to pay their respects to the City's Founder.   The event took place at the Manuel Quezon Museum, where valuable artifacts, photographs, presidential memorabilia, and the other collectibles on the history of Quezon City are on display as part of the Museum's exhibits.   

The Requiem Mass or Misang Pangalaala was led by Rev. Fr. Angelito S. Ancla, CMF, from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Fr. Ancla's homily emphasized the values of simplicity and poverty which were exemplified by the late president. Before the mass ended, Ricky Avanceña, a descendant of President Manuel L. Quezon, fondly shared his memories of his grandfather which touched those in attendance.   

Avanceña narrated that even as President Quezon lay dying, he was still so concerned about the freedom and democracy of the Philippines – as he kept asking about Gen. Douglas MacArthur's progress in leading American forces and Filipino guerrillas in the recapture and liberation of the Philippines from the Imperial Japanese Army.   He also recalled that, during President Quezon's time, the country's death penalty law was in force, yet the President did not impose it on anyone because he believed it may cause injustice to the poor. In gratitude, prisoners on death row constructed for him a special desk, under which were carved the prison numbers of those who were spared the death penalty.  

The mass was immediately followed by a flower offering ceremony led by the NHCP. Rev. Fr. Ancla then officiated the ceremonial blessing of the shrine to culminate the commemoration. The Honorary Tribute intended to share with the people of QC, the accomplishments and challenges the City Founder had gone through in creating a renowned contemporary city that combines history with progress.   

The event was also a part of the NHCP's Kasaysayan, Saligan ng Diwang Makabayan information initiative, which aims to enrich the public's knowledge of Philippine History and raise awareness and responsiveness of the spirit of nationalism among the Filipino people. (PAISO/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)