(Inspirational Message of Rep. Edcel C. Lagman during the rites marking the restoration of the Gabaldon School Building on October 4, 2019 at the Tabaco South Central Elementary School)
I was a frail looking 5th and 6th grader more than six (6) decades ago, along with other pupils, who attended classes in the huge Gabaldon School Building here at the then Tabaco Central Elementary School, now the Tabaco South Central Elementary School.
(Speech delivered by Rep. Edcel C. Lagman at the Forum on Public Expression and Censorship during Martial Law at the UP Law Center on 24 September 2019)
We commemorate the declaration of martial law not to celebrate a national tragedy but to remind ourselves not to forget the atrocities and plunder it spawned.
And also to guard and be vigilant against its recurrence.
It is inordinately shameful that as we mark the 47th anniversary of Marcos’ martial rule, we have a thrice-extended martial law in the entire of Mindanao, even as we continue to experience the repression of press freedom and the persecution of human rights defenders, among other victims, reminiscent of the martial law years.
(Lecture delivered by REP. EDCEL C. LAGMAN, Honorary Chair of PLCPD,on 10 August 2019 at Tagaytay City)
It is very easy to see how the lives of women and children are intertwined.
At the very beginning of their relationship, at conception and from inside the womb, a mother and her baby share the same blood supply and the same reserve of nutrients. When it is born, one of the first things a baby sees is its mother’s face; the voice that soothes a child when it is hurt or scared would most likely be the familiar voice of its mother.
It is important to remember that the first year of a child’s life impacts on a lifetime. A mother is likely to be a constant presence in the first year of her baby’s life. What happens during this first year will have far reaching effects on the future of children – their long-term health, whether or not they do well in school, their ability to find work, their feelings of self-worth, the qualities of the spouse they choose to live their lives with, and the kind of parents they will be to their own children.
Secretary Ramon Lopez, Mayor Jaime Villanueva, my good friend DTI Regional Director Joy Blanco, DTI Provincial Director Leah Pagao, esteemed guests, Dios marhay na aldaw saindo gabos.
I truly regret not being able to personally attend this morning’s inauguration of the 3rd One Town One Product (OTOP) Philippines Hub here at the Philippine Ceramics Arts and Crafts (Philceramics).
As Director Joy can attest, I have long been not only a staunch supporter and advocate of Philceramics; I am also an avid fan of its products that are beautiful even as they are functional.
In fact, it was the partnership between my office and DTI Region V that the communal workspace of Philceramics was created, artisans received training in production and design, necessary equipment and machinery acquired, and the products were promoted to a wider market.
Delivering the Contra-SONA of the authentic opposition is not only fulfilling a continuing tradition. It is an enduring commitment to articulate differing views and assessments of the true state of the nation, devoid of pomp, propaganda, theatrics and hyperbole.
It is demystifying the aura of presidential pronouncements.
It is an incisive reaction to what the President said and failed to say in his SONA.
It is making democracy work by giving the public an alternative perspective and genuine choice.
It is telling the people the truth even if it hurts.
