There will always be heroes in Batangas

In our long journey towards genuine freedom and meaningful progress, we have been defended and inspired by extraordinary men who transcended their personal interests in spite of the risk, inconvenience and ultimate sacrifice when necessary. They gave paramount importance to the collective welfare of the greater number of people instead of the limited vested interest of the few. Our history has shown us varied stories of heroism.

I had the privilege of addressing the graduates of the Batangas State University (BSU), a 4th level state university which has successfully positioned itself as our country’s national engineering university.  I agreed to join them in their special occasion because of the significance of Batangas in our nation’s history. Besides, I admire the visionary president of BSU, Dr. Tirso Ronquillo, who has transformed this academic institution to what it is today, a premier technical school which proudly produces engineers who can be deployed in our growing economy that needs to further strengthen its manufacturing and industrial base. Most, if not all, of their more than 500 graduates will be absorbed even in the international job market.

Long tradition of heroism and patriotism kept the pride and honor of Batanguenos. Often referred to as the “Cradle of Noble Heroes,” the province of Batangas has produced a long list of prominent leaders that served us well.

Everyone would salute the strategic role taken by Apolinario Mabini, who was bestowed the accolade of being the “Brains of the Revolution,” He was also acknowledged as our first prime minister and chief adviser of the state under the government of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo. A lawyer and a statesman, he fought using his wisdom and the power of his pen to pursue our independence from more than 300 years of Spanish rule. Because of the paralysis of his two legs, he was also known as the “Sublime Paralytic.”

He helped frame our constitution and also wrote his legacy masterpiece, “The True Decalogue,” which outlined the principles and values that he hoped would shape the struggle against our colonizers. He advocated that we must love God, continuously improve our skills and talents to serve humanity, be patriotic, unite as a people and form a republican government. I tried to capture the essence of Mabini’s counsel in my message to the students who finished their degrees.

The province also boasts of the exemplary valor of General Miguel Malvar, who was the last to surrender to the Americans during the Philippine-American War of 1899-1902. He relentlessly fought the more superior military of the new invaders even though the rest of the resistance already capitulated. Outnumbered, surrounded and many of his followers sick and wounded, he had to lay down his arms and avoid the further carnage of his soldiers and the sufferings of Filipinos who had no respite yet because of the just concluded battles against the Spanish conquistadores. Not known to everyone, Gen. Malvar was actually considered the second president of the Republic when Gen. Aguinaldo was captured by the American forces. He refused to accept any government position under the American rule.

The “Father of Philippine Library System” is also a proud Batangueño, Teodoro M. Kalaw. He was a respected legislator, scholar and historian who wrote and published “Ang Pinagtatalunang Akta ng Katipunan,” among others.

The founder and leader of the “Filipino First Movement” is the renowned legislator, senator Claro M. Recto, who is also honored as the “Father of the Philippine Constitution.” The Philippine presidents during his time had to endure his sharp discourses and criticisms on the country’s foreign policy directions, which gave him the title of being “the Great Dissenter.” Until today, he is regarded as among the bearers of the gold standards of how a true statesman and legislator must be.

The former Philippine president Jose P. Laurel also hailed from the province, along with other big names in our rich history such as Felipe Agoncillo, General Galiciano Apacible, Ramon Diokno, Gregorio Katigbak, Ramon Apacible and Expedito Leviste, who’s surely the predecessor of my good friend former governor Tony Leviste, who continues to charm his way through his wit and generous sharing of experiences to younger and striving leaders.

Batangas has a critical pivotal role in shaping our national direction. It is considered the country’s third richest province in 2022. It is also in CALABARZON, our second richest region in 2023. It  belongs to the country’s top ten vote-rich provinces; therefore, it can substantially contribute to the electoral victory or defeat of national candidates.

The province will occupy an important pedestal in our journey as a country because of its vibrant local economy, people, collective pride and leaders. What I’ve seen recently in Batangas State University is a clear proof that the heroes from the province succeeded in inspiring the brave Batanguenos! And more exemplary local political, military and business leaders will follow the footsteps of the pantheon of Apolinario Mabini.