Bulakenyos pay tribute to late Senator Soc Rodrigo
CITY OF MALOLOS – The late Senator Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo, one of the most illustrious sons of Bulacan who was also a poet, writer, broadcaster, lawyer and a public servant was given a tribute by Bulakenyos in two respective programs held in Bulakan, Bulacan this morning to celebrate his 103rd birth anniversary on January 29.
A memorial marker of Sen. Rodrigo was unveiled at the two-storey six-classroom building built by the Provincial Government of Bulacan headed by Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado and Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando for the Romeo Acuna Santos Memorial High School in Brgy. Matungao while the Sen. Soc Rodrigo Activity Center and a monument were also unveiled at the BSU Meneses Campus, both in Bulakan town.
The said event was attended by the family of the late Bulakenyo senator led by Atty. Ramon Rodrigo, Atty. Francisco Rodrigo Jr., Josefina Rodrigo, Remedios Rodrigo Sevilla, Melencio Rodrigo, and grand children Franco, Rosque and Paulo Sevilla as well as the “Golden Ladies of PH cinema” including Boots Anson Rodrigo, wife of Sen. Rodrigo’s son Atty. Rodrigo Jr., Susan Roces, Nova Villa, Pilita Coralles, Luz Valdez and Marichu Vera Perez-Maceda.
One of Rodrigo’s children, lawyer Ramon Rodrigo, remembers the stories often told to them by their father.
“Naniniwala ang aking ama na ang pagkakawang gawa ay ang tamang gawa. We are doing our best not only for ourselves but for the country,” Atty. Rodrigo said.
Rodrigo also said that in one with his father, he believes that one can do big things in his own little ways.
“If you’ll ask me how one man can help his country, I will leave you a story my father told me long ago. Iniutos ng Diyos, ayusin mo ang mundo and you’ll ask how, and God said, ayusin mo ang sarili mo,” he added.
Vice Gov. Fernando for his part expressed his gratitude on behalf of Gov. Alvarado and the entire Bulakenyos for the inspiration and contributions the late senator has imparted during his time.
“Para po sa Bulacan, si Sen. Soc Rodrigo ay mananatiling buhay na bayani,” the vice governor said.
Meanwhile, Cong. Jonathan Sy-Alvarado of the first district of Bulacan said that as a public servant, he idolizes the Natatanging Bulakenyo Awardee of the Dangal ng Lipi ng Bulacan for being brave in fighting for democracy during Martial Law.
“Ang paninindigan sa katotohanan, katwiran, karunungan, karangalan ay matitibay na haliging iniwan sa bagong henerasyon. Pinagmamapuri natin siya ang tunay na katauhan na ang paglilingkod sa kapwa ay pagmamahal sa Diyos,” Cong. Alvarado said.
In addition, a poetry writing contest was also held entitled, “Tilamsik ng Diwa Francisco Soc. Rodrigo” which was opened to all high school and college students in Bulacan.
Winners include ‘Bulong’ of Vivian Jane Mempin from Baliwag University, first place; ‘Ang Pag-alingawngaw ng Boses Noon’ of Christian Andrei Bautista from San Pedro National High School; and ‘Itim na Likido sa Markadong Liriko’ of Romeo Tanjeco from Dampol 1st National High School.
They received P10,000, P6,000 and P3,000 cash prizes respectively and plaques of recognition.