Pampanga marks 100th birth anniversary of DM

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines  – The 100th birth anniversary of the late President Diosdado Macapagal will be commemorated today with various activities to highlight the meaningful celebration on the grand occasion of the province’s most distinguished and revered son.

President Aquino has declared Sept. 28 a non-working holiday in Pampanga through Proclamation No. 35, to give the Kapampangans the opportunity to remember the life and times of the country’s ninth President.

The whole-day celebration will kick off with a wreath- laying ceremony at the bust of Macapagal located in front of the Pampanga provincial capitol here at 7 a.m.

To be led by Gov. Lilia Pineda, officials from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and other local executives, the wreath-laying rites will be followed by a motorcade from this city going to Macapagal’s birth place in Lubao town where a concelebrated Mass will take place at 8 a.m.  

The late President’s daughter, likewise a former President and now Pampanga second district Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, will be the guest of honor in the ceremonial program to be highlighted with the presentation of commemorative stamps and the signing of the deed of donation of the Diosdado Macapagal Museum and Library.