Magsaysay, Davide endorsed in UP rites

CEBU, Philippines - Being an election year, even the state university known for its activist students was not spared from politics.

Yesterday’s graduation rites at the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu had Ramon Magsaysay awardee and Cebuano Romulo Davide as its guest speaker.

During his speech, Davide swiftly mentioned two Liberal Party (LP) candidates, Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. and Hilario “Junjun” Davide  III although he was quick to clarify that he is not campaigning for them. Davide, a professor emeritus of UP Los Baños and an agricultural scientist, pioneered technology on plant pathology as well as empowering farmers towards scientific farming approach.

He is also the uncle of LP gubernatorial bet Hilario “Junjun” Davide III.

The speaker, mostly discussing the importance of agriculture in Philippine development and perseverance in achieving one’s goal, smoothly segued to politics starting with the significance of voting.

“This (election) is the golden opportunity to choose the best leaders of our society. Leaders with the spirit and morals like former president Ramon Magsaysay who was the president of the poor and the farmers,” Davide addressed the teachers, graduates and parents.

He then enumerated the community programs of the late president which are “sadly” not anymore implemented to date.

“But we have Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. who promised to continue the programs of his father. He’s the man we need in the senate,” the older Davide said.

Going local, he then mentioned the LP gubernatorial bet.

“Likewise in Cebu, we need a humble and approachable official to lead the province. And my nephew Junjun Davide is a good candidate,” he added.

But the guest speaker was quick to clarify that he was not asking the audience to vote for the two candidates.— (FREEMAN)