CITY of BALANGA, Bataan – The former Bataan governor and now member of the House of Representatives for the Second District of Bataan is one of the awardees of the prestigious ‘Amang Balangueno’ given by the city government of Balanga.
Congressman Enrique T. Garcia, Jr. was introduced by Barangay Captain Pedro Yuson of Tenejero, Balanga City. As a matter of usual course, the barangay chair of the village where the awardee resides introduces the latter before the award is given.
The former governor was accompanied to the stage by wife Vicky, children Mayor Gila Garcia of Dinalupihan, Gov. Abet Garcia, City Mayor Abet Garcia and wife Isabel, Francis Garcia who is a director of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), grandchildren, City Vice Mayor Noel Valdecanas, City Councilor Ma. Liza A. Vasquez and supporters.
Congressman Tet profusely expressed his gratitude to all his supporters and City Mayor Joet for the award. “Ako’y labis na nagpapasalamat sa inyong lahat sa inyong walang sawang pagsuporta sa amin,” said the incumbent congressman.
Mayor Garcia explained that the annual giving of award to outstanding fathers in the city serves as inspiration for other heads of the family to strive hard in building a good family which in turn breeds better leaders in the future. Mayor Joet further said the ‘Amang Balangueno’ awardees must been inspired by the life of the city’s patron saint St. Joseph who raised his son worthy of emulation for good virtues.
Business tycoon Don Eddie de Guzman, president of De Guzman Group of Companies likewise received citation for his good deeds as a father who later become a successful businessman. Don Eddie or “Consul” as he is widely known gave away P5,000 each to 25 ‘Amang Balangueno’ awardees from 25 villages of Balanga City. Mayor Garcia received the money to be distributed quickly to the awardees.
The awardees are not necessarily native of Balanga Ciy or any part of Bataan. Some of them are actually from Bicol region, Northern Luzon and other parts of the country but have settled in Balanga for a long time already, built their own family and raised their children to become productive and useful citizens of the city.
As Don Eddie said, “A father does not receive salary neither vacation leave nor night differentials but works 24/7. The only remuneration for a father is to have successful children.”
