Dec 11,2024
PICC
Ladies and gentlemen, friends, and family,
Today, we celebrate 94 remarkable years of a life defined by service, integrity, and unwavering love for our nation. It is our rare privilege to honor a man who has not only witnessed history but helped shape it, leaving a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
In 2021, when we couldn’t have big celebrations, I made a facebook post that still rings true today: “Happy birthday to a man who was an important reason why many of us here joined the Department of Finance in the last millenium . Who served as a mentor and model for us throughout our careers and lives. From his example, we learned what it means to be a public servant, a good citizen, and a human being of integrity, kindness, and humility—and of true love for country.”
My 2021 message noted that many of us, then retired, still strove to measure ourselves against the gold standard you set. Today, I find myself back in government, and those words are even more relevant.
Sir, you remain the gold standard against which we measure ourselves—not just as professionals, but as people.
So let’s take a moment to celebrate not just your towering legacy, but also the man behind the public service.
As we raise our glasses, let us toast to a life well-lived, a legacy that continues to inspire, and future blessed with more good health, love, and of course, Joy.
Salamat po, at Mabuhay! May you continue to inspire us for many more years to come.
Mabuhay!
