The Quezon City government on Friday, Aug. 19, led the commemoration of the 144th birth anniversary of former President Manuel Luis Quezon at the Quezon Memorial Circle (QMC).
Mayor Joy Belmonte led the Quezon Day activities with Vice-Mayor Gian Sotto, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Plans, Public Affairs, and Communication Margarita Guttierez, National Historical Commission of the Philippines Deputy Executive Director III Carminda Arevalo, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Brig. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III, city representatives and councilors, and other guests.
"Sa selebrasyon ng ika-isang daan at apatnapu't apat ng kapanganakan ng yumaong pangulo, ginugunita natin ang kanyang mga nagawa, debosyon, at mga sakripisyo para sa ating bayan. Inaalala rin natin ngayon ang kanyang kabayanihan at ang makabuluhang buhay na kanyang inaalay sa pagkamit ng ating minimithing kalayaan at katarungan (On the occasion of the 144th birthday of the late president, we remember his achievements, devotion, and sacrifices for our nation. Today, we also remember his heroism and the life he dedicated to achieving our desired freedom and justice," Gutierrez said.
She cited Quezon's contributions, among them, the establishment of the court that focuses on cases related to issues of workers, laws related to labor, and the rescue of more than 1,000 Jews from Israel from the holocaust in Austria and Germany during World War II.
"Malinaw ang nais ni Pangulong Quezon para sa ating mga kababayan -- isang maayos at pantay na lipunan. Kaya habang ipinagdiriwang natin ang kanyang buhay at mga gawain sa araw na ito, nawa'y magsikap tayong lahat na itaguyod ang kabutihan at katarungan para sa lahat (President Quezon's goal for our countrymen is clear -- a just and equal society. So, as we celebrate his life and works today, may we all strive to promote goodness and justice for all)," she said.
"Nawa'y ang pagmamahal ni Pangulong Quezon para sa mga nangangailangan ay magbigay ng inspirasyon lalo na sa ating mga nasa gobyerno na paigtingin ang ating pangako sa pagliingkod sa bayad (May President Quezon's love for the poor and marginalized inspire us who are in the government to strengthen our commitment to service)," Gutierrez added.
"Sa kanyang pamumuno, madaming batas at polisiya ang itinaguyod ni Pangulong Quezon na hanggang ngayon ay nagsisilbi pa ring gabay at inspirasyon sa ating mga programa at kalidad ng paglilingkod natin sa bayan (During his leadership, President Quezon passed many laws and policies that still serve as a guide and inspiration to our programs and the quality of our service to the people)," Mayor Joy Belmonte said
The late president founded Quezon City in 1939.