Mayor Esmie leads Commemoration of Apong Dadong Birth Anniversary

Text by Krissa Layn Ronquillo

Photos by Marvin Macaspac

LUBAO, Pampanga—Mayor Esmeralda “Esmie” G. Pineda led the commemoration of the 110th birth anniversary of the late President Diosdado P. Macapagal on Monday at the Museum and Library of President Diosdado P. Macapagal in Barangay San Nicolas 1st, this town.

Mayor Pineda, along with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Executive Director Restituto L. Aguilar, Municipal Vice Mayor Jay B. Montemayor, and Lubao Chief of Police Lt. Col. Michael Jhon N. Riego offered flowers at the monument of the former president during the wreath-laying rites.

The program was spearheaded by the NHCP in cooperation with the Municipal Government of Lubao.
Different from previous celebrations that held a memorial mass prior to the wreath-laying ceremony, this year’s celebration was kept short and simple to follow protocols concerning the ongoing pandemic.

Known as the “Poor Boy from Lubao”, Macapagal was elected as the country’s Vice President in 1957 and President in 1961.