Along with the celebration of Ople Day,
Bulacan inaugurates first PESO Building in Central Luzon

CITY OF MALOLOS – The Provincial Government of Bulacan headed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Vice Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado led the inauguration of the first stand-alone PESO Building in Central Luzon along with the commemoration of the 94th Birth Anniversary of Gat Blas F. Ople held in front of the Provincial Livelihood Center (Gat Blas Ople Building), Antonio S. Bautista, Provincial Capitol Compound here this morning.

Themed as “Gat Blas F. Ople: Huwaran ng Kabataan, Ama ng Kabuhayan at Kaalaman”, Bulakenyos relived the great life of the ‘Father of Overseas Employment’ during the first part of the program.

Fernando recalled the deeds of ‘Ka Blas’ during his time and how he dedicated his life in service.

“Binago niya po ang kahulugan ng pagiging pulitiko at lingkod bayan. Siya ay hindi kailan man naging gahaman sa kapangyarihan at siya ang naglingkod ng tahimik at buong kababaang loob hanggang sa huling sandali ng kanyang buhay,” the governor said.

This was followed by the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the new three-storey PESO building which has training rooms, and lecture and conference rooms worth P20 million that will provide various trainings, skills, and livelihood to Bulakenyos.

In his message as the guest of honor, Department of Labor and Employment Sec. Silvestre H. Bello III commended the PESO Bulacan for their willingness to extend their services and challenged them to come up with better opportunities for the Bulakenyos.

“Labis kong ikinagagalak na hanggang sa kasalukuyang panahon ay hindi pa rin natitinag ang inyong kagustuhan na palawigin ang kalidad ng inyong pagsisilbi sa publiko. I challenge the Provincial PESO to push forward with the full institutionalization of the demeaning LGU-based public employment service offices in your province as we ascend in the new and better normal and journey towards bridging quality employment opportunities for all,” Bello said.

The provincial governor also said that this day is significant in terms of achieving another milestone for the province.

“Isa rin itong mahalagang araw para sa pagpapasinaya ng ating bagong PESO Building dito sa ating lalawigan. Makahulugan po ang araw na ito dahil ito ay katuparan ng isa sa mga hangarin ng ating Pamahalaang Panlalawigan tungo sa pagpapaunlad ng kabuhayan ng mga Bulakenyo.”

Ople was a champion of International Labor, framer of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, senate president from 1999 to 2000 and secretary of Foreign Affairs from 2002 until his death. ###