The late Ambassador Eduardo “Danding” M. Cojuango Jr., industrialist and founder of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, will soon be honored in his home province of Tarlac as its people will commemorate the Danding Cojuangco Day every June 10 of each year in honor of his memory.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday, Sept. 22, passed on third and final reading House Bill 7251 declaring June 10 of each year a special non-working holiday in the entire province to commemorate Cojuangco’s birth anniversary.
Cojuangco died seven days after celebrating his 85th birthday.
Tarlac Rep. Victor A. Yap authored the original bill, HB 7069, that sought to honor the late ambassador, who had also emerged as one of the top business leaders in the country.
“Eduardo “Danding” Murphy Cojuangco Jr., Philippine ambassador and former governor of Tarlac, and congressman, made huge contributions to Philippine politics, sports, business and service to the country,” stressed Yap, who, like Cojuangco and his father, the late Rep. Jose “Aping” Yap, was the governor of the central Luzon province.
In his explanatory note for the bill, Yap noted that Cojuangco, who was chairman emeritus of NPC, one of the strongest political parties in the country, was a visionary who used his deep insight in politics in helping address the “setbacks and difficulties in the country.”
“Being a staunch supporter of basketball in the country, he is best remembered as the godfather of the sports itself,” said Yap.
“The time he served as chair and chief executive officer of San Miguel Corporation not only enabled the company to generate thousands of livelihood and employment opportunities that benefited many Filipino families,” said Yap.
Even before he died, Cojuangco helped people affected by the adverse economic effects of the COVID 19 pandemic. He also provided support and assistance to frontliners and the vulnerable sector.
“Most of all, Mr. Cojuangco Jr., was a true servant leader who exemplified a tradition of devotion and dedication to serve the Province of Tarlac and its people,” stressed Yap.
According to him “Boss Danding” “gave a whole new meaning” to the phrase Bawat Oras Sama-Sama (always together) – a “meaning which he truly lived by, where he dedicated his time, effort and selfless service to all Tarlaquenos.”
Yap called for the swift approval of the measure “in recognition of his (Cojuangco”s) immense contribution to the country and as a gratitude for his genuine love for the province of Tarlac shown in his exemplary record in public service.”