Aklan SP Supports Ramos’ Birth Centennial Commemoration

The activities and programs commemorating the 2011 centennial birth anniversary of the late Godofredo P. Ramos, the "Father of Aklan" has the full support of the Akln Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).

The former Aklan Governor and Congressman, delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, former Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals, an advocate and champion of parliamentary form of government, and the Philippines’ claim to Sabah as it is within its territorial jurisdiction, the late Godofredo P. Ramos’ centennial birth anniversary on November 8, 2011 will be a big celebration for the Aklanons.

The Hon. Victor M. Garcia authored the resolution and Hon. Rodson F. Mayor co-sponsored it during its session held on Dec. 1, 2010.

The Aklan Historical Society (AHS) is also spearheading moves and series of activities to commemorate the once in a lifetime event to bestow unparalleled honor to the man acknowledged as the main architect of the independence of Aklan. AHS has launched the centennial commemoration at the Museo it Akean in Kalibo on November 8, 2010, on Ramos’ 99th birth anniversary.

In resolution No. 2010-136, the SP expressed full support to the Aklan Historical Society in close coordination with the Godofredo P. Ramos Memorial Foundation. The Aklan Provincial Tourism Council, has proposed the holding of commemorative activities starting next year to culminate on November 8, 2011, as follows:

a. Printing, selling and circulating Centennial Commemorative Car Plates with "AKLAN" as the main marking to be sold in the Province of Aklan, in the country, and abroad;

b. The Philippines Postal Corporation will print and sell centennial commemorative mailing stamps with the picture of the late Godofredo P. Ramos as the main marking;

c. The awarding of the Godofredo P. Ramos Leadership Medals to deserving graduating pupils, high school and college students all over Aklan;

d. Publication of literature and materials on the life of the late Godofredo P. Ramos for distribution in the Province of Aklan; and

e. The holding of commemorative lecture and feature writing contests among students on the life of the late Godofredo P. Ramos.

The SP stressed that it is incumbent upon all Aklanons to carve a niche in both their minds and hearts the memory of this great Aklanon whose eloquence and illustriousness has brought not only to himself, but the Province of Aklan and Aklanons to the pedestal occupied by the great leaders of the country where the late Godofredo P. Ramos has displayed his brilliance and wisdom respected and revered by his peers in the national and international scene.

The Late Godofredo P. Ramos displayed a rare brand of leadership qualities, skills and capabilities and intellectual prowess of an Aklanon not only in the Halls of Congress of the Republic of the Philippines but also in the field of diplomacy, and the Halls of the United Nations, the SP resolution emphasised.

A non-working public holiday is declared in the Province of Aklan in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Ramos by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 194 on April 25, 2002. /MP