In a speech during the celebration of the 123rd birthday of Quezon at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, Belmonte said he needs the support of every city resident to sustain the progress of the city, as envisioned by the late president.
"What President Quezon wanted was to make Quezon City a premier city. Let’s all work to achieve this goal," Belmonte said in Filipino.
Belmonte, along with Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. and other city officials, paid tribute to Quezon by laying wreaths on his tomb under the Quezon monument in the middle of the circle.
Guingona, for his part, said that with Belmonte at the helm, he is sure that Quezon City could become a model city for other localities in Metro Manila.
"President Quezon once said that he would rather see the Philippines run like hell Filipinos than run like heaven under the Americans. But with leaders like Belmonte, I know we would have heaven in the Philippines," he said.
President Quezon was born in Baler, Aurora, Quezon 123 years ago yesterday. He championed social justice and pioneered the land reform concept. He also gave full support to woman suffrage and made Tagalog the basis for a national language, earning him the title "Ama ng Wikang Filipino."
President Quezon was elected the first President of the Philippine Commonwealth on Sept.17, 1935. He died on Aug.1, 1944. – Cecille Suerte Felipe