Cong. Edgar Chatto paid tribute to President Carlos Polestico Garcia (CPG), 8th President of the Philippines and Bohol’s Most Illustrious Son.
In a privilege speech during the resumption of sessions in Congress, Chatto recalled the life and legacy of CPG, citing him worthy of remembrance on his 128th birthday anniversary.
November 4 is a special non working holiday in Bohol by virtue of Republic Act 7448, to commemorate CPG’s birthday.
In his speech, he shared the lineup of activities dedicated to honor President CPG, beginning with flag raising and wreath laying rites at the CPG Monument fronting the Provincial Capitol.
The National Museum of the Philippines its newest exhibition “Paghandum: The President Carlos P. Garcia Memorabilia Collection.”
It features a selection of artworks, photographs, furniture, and personal memorabilia, including collection of objects from the Carlos P. Garcia Heritage House in Tagbilaran City, Bohol as well as from their home in Quezon City donated by Pres. Garcia’s grandchildren Maria Carla Josefa G. Campos, Jose Carlos G. Campos, and Isabel Campos Bustos.
Earlier, Chatto had paid a visit to the museum to personally view the gallery. He had also been the guest of honor during the formal turnover ceremony of the memorabilia in Manila back in June.
Moreover, Chatto thanked Congress for the support in the passage of Republic Act No. 11987, which he principally authored and was signed by President Bongbong Marcos on March 21. The law renames the Bohol Island Circumferential Road to the President Carlos P. Garcia Circumferential Road, which unveiling was also held.
He also quoted Campos, CPG’s grandson, in a letter of gratitude to Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez which stated “We are happy and honored that the road encircling the whole island province, home of the late president and our great grandfather, is named after him. It is like him eternally embracing his beloved Bohol which he loves so much.”
It can be recalled that CPG is also honored through a monument in Taguig through the Boholano Association of Metro Manila, Inc, (BAMMI) in collaboration with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
This followed after Republic Act 8224 was signed into law, renaming the Circumferential Route No.5 or C-5 in Metro Manila as the President Carlos P. Garcia Avenue to immortalize his memory as governor, congressman, senator, vice president and president.
Chatto said the preservation of President CPG’s advocacies continue with initiatives such as the CPG Scholarship program begun in 1996 through Provincial Ordinance No. 8, s. 1996, which he authored as then Vice Governor. Chatto had also served as President of the CPG Foundation.
As Governor, he opened Cafe Caloy under the Provincial Economic Enterprise Management Office of the Provincial Government and maintained the CPG Ancestral Home earlier called Bohol Museum with some memorabilia of CPG kept and preserved.
Chatto emphasized that CPG’s life and legacy certainly befit the honors given to him each year along with initiatives that inspire the new generation to live by his examples.
This celebration pay tribute to his life work in hopes to guide the young generation, inspire love for country and for Boholanos and Filipinos to work together towards a prosperous and bright future, he added.
Prior to becoming president, Carlos P. Garcia was a teacher, lawyer, guerilla leader, senator, and political economist.
A true statesman, he was the exemplar of commitment to Philippine sovereignty and economic independence through the Filipino First Policy, which promoted the primacy of Philippine industries over foreign enterprises.
His legacy of economic nationalism is celebrated in Bohol; and he is revered and remembered for his love and devotion to the national identity.