PEACE-MAKER
On behalf of our family, we convey once again our immense gratitude to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and his beloved wife, Tingog Partylist Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez, for the great honor and privilege of naming a building in the House of Representatives after us and for providing a space in the building for our museum.
(We are printing here the remarks of our son, Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher de Venecia, which he delivered during the inauguration of the Jose C. de Venecia Jr. Building and Museum at the House of Representatives last Jan. 28, 2025.)
Today is a moment of immense pride, profound gratitude, and heartfelt reflection, as we come together to honor a towering figure of public service — a man who dedicated his life to the betterment of our nation and the people he so passionately served.
My father, former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., affectionately known to many as JDV, has left an indelible mark not only in the Fourth District of Pangasinan but also in the halls of this very institution. His five terms as Speaker of the House — a historic feat — bear testament to his unparalleled vision, his steadfast commitment to consensus-building, and his deep understanding of the complexities of governance.
His tenure was marked by initiatives that shaped the trajectory of our country, from championing economic reforms and advancing the cause of peace to pioneering the concept of parliamentary and political party diplomacy, bridging divides both at home and abroad. He envisioned a House of Representatives not just as a legislative body but as a bastion of innovation, collaboration, and nation-building.
JDV was the architect of the “Rainbow Coalition” in the House of Representatives, which paved the way for the smooth passage of more than 200 economic, political, and social reform laws during the Ramos administration.
He authored game-changing laws, such as the Bases Conversion Law, which has turned the former US military bases and several Philippine military camps into thriving economic zones and satellite cities; the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law that has made possible private investments and public-private partnerships in infrastructure projects; and the New Central Bank law.
But beyond his titles and achievements, my father was, and continues to be, a source of inspiration — someone who believed in the power of dialogue, the importance of inclusivity, and the necessity of thinking beyond borders to address the challenges of the modern world.
He founded international organizations and travelled extensively to promote peace and stability in the Asian region and the global community — the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), which serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among 352 ruling and opposition political parties from 52 countries in Asia; the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), now composed of 44 parliaments in Asia, to create what he envisioned to be the beginnings of an Asian Parliament; the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council (APRC), to assist governments and organizations in peace-building and conflict resolution in Asia and other areas.
He also initiated the now enshrined Interfaith Dialogue in the United Nations as a way of helping resolve politico-religious conflicts, strengthening the religious moderates, and isolating those who advocate terrorism and violent extremism in the name of religion.
It is, therefore, with profound gratitude that I extend my sincerest thanks to our Honorable Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and beloved Congresswoman Yedda Marie Romualdez for this extraordinary gesture of recognition. Naming a building here in the House of Representatives after my father and providing a place for the Jose de Venecia Museum is a fitting tribute to a man whose life was devoted to the service of this nation.
Speaker Romualdez, Congresswoman Romualdez, this act of generosity and respect transcends mere symbolism. It ensures that my father’s legacy will inspire future generations of lawmakers and Filipinos alike — reminding them that public service is not merely a duty but a noble calling. Your vision in making this tribute possible reflects not just your appreciation of history but also your commitment to honor the leaders who paved the way for a brighter Philippines.
To my father, JDV, though you may no longer walk these halls as a legislator, your legacy lives on. This building, and the museum that will house your stories and milestones, will serve as a beacon of your enduring legacy.
On behalf of our family and the countless lives my father has touched, I thank all of you for being part of this momentous occasion. May this tribute remind us of the immense responsibility we carry as public servants and inspire us to build a nation founded on peace, unity, and progress.