Over 100 youth leaders and advocates, professionals and representatives of various organizations across Quezon Province and neighboring provinces in CALABARZON came together and attended the historical webinar held last August 18, 2020 to commemorate the 142nd birthday of the first president of Commonwealth and one of the most respected heroes not only in Quezon Province but also in the whole country, former President Manuel L. Quezon.
The webinar with the theme “Araw ni Quezon: Paggunita sa Nakaraan, Gabay sa Kasalalukuyan; Si Lolo Manuel Bilang Modelo ng Kabataan,” organized by Quezon Provincial Board and Council of Youth Advocates for the Philippines (YAP) Region IV-A, was launched and held virtually through Zoom and Facebook Live. The historical webinar aims to share with fellow Filipinos, especially the youth, what was the life of Manuel Quezon, his works and contributions to our country, and how he continues to inspire young leaders today.
For our first guest speaker, Mr. Manolo L. Quezon III, the grandson of the late President Manuel L. Quezon, reminisced the glory days of his grandfather. He quoted him saying “Sapagkat, gayunpaman masama ang isang pamahalaang Pilipino, maaari nating palitan ito palagi”. According to Mr. Quezon III, people today often forget this. He reminded the webinar participants that the election is a platform for them to use. They should exercise their right to vote for leaders that will form a good government and serve their fellow countrymen. The first resource speaker of this historical webinar is Mr. Charleston “Xiao” Chua, a known professor and historian. The topic he discussed is entitled “Ang Pakikipagkapwa ng Pilipino: Ang Papel ni Quezon sa Pagliligtas ng mga Hudyo noong Holocaust”. While Prof. Chua discussed the deeds Quezon did during the Holocaust, our next speaker focused on the leadership characteristics of Quezon. Mr. Vladimir Nieto, the second resource speaker, discussed the topic “Kabataang Kyupi: Mga Katangian ng Liderato ni Quezon na Magsisilbing Inspirasyon ng Kabataan”. At the end of the webinar, a video greeting from the father of Quezon Province, Governor Danilo “Danny” Suarez was shown. Also, a video message from the Vice-President of the Republic of the Philippines, VP Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo was presented. In the video, she highlighted the characteristics of Quezon that we may follow. Especially now that we are in a pandemic, cooperation and unity is expected from each Filipinos.
This webinar is only one of the activities that the organization is conducting as an appreciation of the history of the Philippines. They still continue to launch projects in line with different goals and advocacies. Now that the historical webinar has been a success, the YAP Quezon Provincial Board and Council will be conducting a project to provide help and support to an Aeta community in their province.
ADVT