Bohol Rep. Edgar Chatto wants to rename the Bohol Island Circumferential Road after the late President Carlos P. Garcia.
He has filed House Bill No. 8011 to recognize the remarkable achievements and contributions of Garcia in Bohol and in the country.
This year marks the 120th birth anniversary of Garcia, a native of Talibon, Bohol, Chatto said.
“Without doubt, the Philippines’ eighth president, Carlos P. Garcia, remains one of the most esteemed sons of Bohol. Naming the Bohol Island Circumferential Road to his name is the least expression of our solemn gratitude to the President whose legacy is his belief in the Filipinos,” the chairperson of the House Special Committee on Climate Change said.
Chatto noted that one of the, if not the most, popular legacy of Garcia is the “Filipino First Policy” which ensured government support to Filipino businessmen and Filipino products over foreign investors and foreign products.
He said Garcia was behind the implementation of an austerity program aimed at stamping out graft and corruption in the country through wise spending, industry, thrift, trustworthiness, integrity, and honesty.
Chatto also noted that it was under Garcia’s term when the Bohlen-Serrano Agreement was executed – the law that shortened the original 99-year lease of US bases in the Philippines to 25 years and renewable for period only up to five years.
Chatto said prior to his presidency, Garcia served as third district representative and governor of Bohol. He became senator, vice president, and Foreign Affairs Secretary under the Magsaysay administration.
According to him, Garcia was also elected president of the 1971 Constitutional Convention until his death in the same year.
He cited that Garcia became the first layman to lie in state in Manila Cathedral – a privilege until then limited to a deceased Archbishop of Manila – and the first president to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
“To date, we can find in Bohol a municipality, a sports complex, and an avenue named after President Carlos P. Garcia. But Bohol has yet to give a province-wide recognition and tribute to our beloved President. This is also a fitting reminder to our youth of nationalism and love of country,” Chatto said.