(Speech delivered by REP. EDCEL C. LAGMAN during the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Family Planning Organization
of the Philippines on 01 August 2009)
I am truly happy and honored to be a part of the 40th anniversary celebrationof the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP).
What FPOP is commemorating today is not only a chronology of years but a celebration of milestones of achievements in its advocacy for family planning (FP) and for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
Ruby is the gemstone for 40th anniversaries. The ruby is the “king of gems”. No gemstone has been priced throughout history than the ruby which is much rarer than the diamond.
Rubies are thought to possess an eternal inner flame, an undying flame inside the stone which some legends say is a part of the planet Mars.
The ruby is the symbol of devotion, passion and courage. This symbolism fits FPOP to a “T”: its devotion to its advocacy; its passion for success and its courage against all odds.
We look forward to your Golden Anniversary and beyond!
Congratulations and thank you so much for your devotion, passion and courage in supporting the RH bill.