CITY OF MALOLOS – Former Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Secretary and Boy Scout of the Philippines national president Roberto M. Pagdanganan lead this year’s outstanding sons and daughters of Bulacan in the recently concluded Sining Kalinangan ng Bulacan (Singkaban) festivities.
Pagdanganan, DAR secretary in 2003-2004 and also Tourism Secretary in mid 20024 and Boy Scout of the Philippines national president in 2020 who hails in Calumpit town was conferred the Dangal ng Lipi for Public Service during the culmination last week of the weeklong Singkaban Festival.
Pagdanganan was also one of the most loved governor of Bulacan. He served from 1986-1998.
Pagdanganan was also considered as the Father of Philippine Cooperative for strengthening the cooperatives in the country.
He was also assigned as head of the Philippine International Trading Corp. and the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee during the term of former President Gloria Arroyo.
Pagdanganan was joined by fellow awardees Rustico T. De Belen of Doña Remedios Trinidad in the professional category. De Belen was the former head of Bulacan provincial environment and natural resources office.
Other awardees include Yolanda C. Riguer of Angat (Agriculture); Marciano E. Par, Jr. of Norzagaray (Bulakenyo Expatriate); Romeo L. Dela Rosa, SFRIM, FRIEdr of Plaridel (Education); Darlyn L. Calderon of Pulilan (Entrepreneur); Jessie Khing D.G. Lacuna, Oly of Pulilan (Sports); Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat of San Ildefonso (Science and Technology); Romeo A. De Jesus, CPA from City of San Jose Del Monte (Community Service); Demetrio L. Bajet, Jr. of Pulilan (Trade and Industry); Rehente Raul C. Pagdanganan of Calumpit (Health); and Dr. Jaime B. Veneracion of San Ildefonso (Arts and Culture).
Dangal ng Lipi which is the highest award conferred by the provincial government to the province most outstanding sons and daughters in various fields culminates the weeklong Sept. 8-15 Singkaban, a celebration which highlights the rich history, culture, heritage, tourism and business aspect and sectors in the province.
Governor Daniel R. Fernando thanked the Dangal ng Lipi awardees as new batch of modern-day heroes because of their invaluable contribution to the community and country.
“All of you have answered the call to bring honor and change to our beloved province and I am a witness of your sacrifice, thus on behalf of the Bulakenyos, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much Bulakenyos. Ito ay selebrasyon ng ating tagumpay at nagkakaisang sagisag ng kahusayan ng ating lahing iniluwal mula po sa makulay at mayamang sining ng ating lalawigan,” Fernando said.
Meanwhile, a certificate of tribute was presented to the family of former Dangal Ng Lipi awardee Lydia De Vega-Mercado, fastest woman in Asia, who passed away last month. She was cited as one of the greatest Filipino sports icons who brought great honor and pride to the province.
