Sponsorship Speech for the Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. Birth Anniversary in Dinagat Islands

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Post by Rep. Kaka J. Bag-ao.

Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao delivered this sponsorship speech during the 27 January 2015 hearing of the Committee on Revision of Laws for the initial consideration and approval of House Bill No. 4318 (An Act Declaring December 9 of each year a special non-working holiday throughout the entire province of Dinagat Islands to commemorate the birth anniversary of “Local Hero” Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr).  

Thank you, Madam Chair. To the members of the committee, good afternoon. Siguro po marami sa atin marahil ay kilala na si Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. On 9 December 1934, Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr., was born in Cabilan in the town of Dinagat in the province of Dinagat Islands.  He eventually founded the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. (PBMA)—an organization of people who dedicated their lives for the service of humanity without expecting any monetary benefits, doing charitable works by serving others faithfully, and giving help voluntarily.

Despite his death, the legacy of Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. still remains until today as observed in the annual commemoration of his birthdate in the whole province of Dinagat Islands.  Hence, the Sanggunian Panlalawigan of Dinagat Islands issued Ordinance No. BBE-03, Series of 2013 entitled "Declaring Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. as Local Hero of the Province of Dinagat Islands and for Other Purposes."  The above cited ordinance states the following:

"1. That, the former late Mayor Ruben E. Ecleo, Sr., was known to be of good standing and undefeated Political Leader during his incumbency as Municipal Mayor;

"2. That, he had a number of accomplishments during his term as the mayor of the Municipality of Dinagat;

"3. That, Ruben, Sr. is the founder and was then the Supreme President of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, Inc. whose main objective is to promote the spirit of brotherhood, sisterhood and above all love of country and Divine Providence;

"4. That, he had contributed total development not only in the Municipality of Dinagat where he was the Local Chief Executive but in the entire islands and encouraged to do good things for the welfare of all."

In support for the enactment of House Bill No. 4138 various groups from the business and education sectors in the Province of Dinagat Islands have passed their respective resolutions supporting its passage, namely: Dinagat Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.; NEWS Multi-Purpose Cooperative (NEWS-MPC), San Jose, Dinagat Islands; A&M Multi-Purpose Cooperative, San Jose, Dinagat Islands; Parent-Teachers’ Association (PTA) of Matingbe Elementary School, San Jose, Dinagat Islands; and Department of Education (DepEd) Division of Dinagat Islands.

Mga kasama, Madam Chair, pagtulungan nating maipasa ang batas na ito bilang isang natatanging pagkilala sa napakaraming magaganda at makabuluhang bagay na nagawa ni Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr. na walang ibang hinangad kundi ang paunlarin ang Isla ng Dinagat.

And being part of the history of the province of Dinagat Islands, one of the newest provinces of the Philippines, and in recognition of the immense contribution of Ruben Edera Ecleo, Sr., the passage of House Bill No. 4318 is earnestly sought.