ROXAS CITY, Capiz (PIA) — A wreath-laying ceremony at the city’s plaza on April 15 marked the Capiceños tribute to the province’s most illustrious son, President Manuel A. Roxas.
The traditional act of paying tribute and remembrance of the former President’s life, legacy and contributions to the nation followed a thanksgiving mass at the nearby Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral.
During the ceremony, Roxas’ grandson, former senator Mar Roxas — along with his wife, Korina, and children Paolo, Pepe and Pilar — led the Roxas family in the wreath offering.
Capiz Gov. Fredenil Castro led city, municipal and other local elected officials in the activity.
Republic Act No. 9217 declares April 15 of every year as President Manuel A. Roxas Day and assigns the nearest Friday to it as a Special Non-working Holiday in the entire province in commemoration of the death anniversary of the late President.
Fondly called “Manoling,” President Roxas died on April 15, 1948 at the age of 56 due to a heart attack.
Roxas received his early education in a public school in the province, graduated with highest honors at the Manila High School in 1909, and proceeded to study law at the University of the Philippines.
He graduated valedictorian in the class of 1913 and topped the bar examinations of the same year.
Manoling was elected governor of Capiz at age 27 and served from 1919 to 1921.
He also won the seat for the first district of Capiz. He was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, a position he held for 12 years.
In 1946, Roxas was elected as the last President of the Commonwealth and the first President of the Republic of the Philippines. (AGP/AAL/PIA Capiz/Cover photo from Ronnie Dadivas FB page)
