EUGENIO PEREZ PARK. This park inside a private property at Barangay Obong in Basista, Pangasinan will be the venue of the program commemorating the 123rd birth anniversary of the late Speaker Eugenio Perez on Wednesday (Nov. 13, 2019). Since the passage of Republic Act 6721 in 1989, the local government of Basista town spearheads an annual commemorative program in honor of Perez. (Photo by Liwayway Yparraguirre)
BASISTA, Pangasinan -- November 13 has long been a special non-working holiday in the province to celebrate the birth anniversary of a respectable Pangasinense, the late Speaker Eugenio Perez.
In an interview Tuesday, Mayor Jolly Resuello said Pangasinenses should know that the late Speaker was born in a small town of Basista, and they are giving due recognition to his birth and contributions to the country.
Every year, since the passage of Republic Act 6721 in 1989, the municipal government of Basista spearheads a commemorative program in honor of Perez.
Resuello will lead a commemorative program on Wednesday.
“It will be held at the birthplace of Perez at Barangay Obong this town. The event will start with a wreath laying ceremony to be followed by a program with a special message to be delivered by Eleazar P. Macaraeg, a relative of the late House Speaker,” he said.
Standing at the "Eugenio Perez Park" is a Philippine Historical Institute (PHI) marker giving tribute to Perez.
The historical marker highlighted Perez' achievement as the first speaker of the first Congress of the Republic of the Philippines in 1946-1953. He became long-term Representative of the Second District of Pangasinan from 1928-1957.
In his term as the Speaker, Congress approved noteworthy laws that contributed to the country's economic growth.
A similar commemoration is being held annually in San Carlos City, wherein Basista used to be a barangay, and Barangay Obong as its former sitio (sub-village).
A wreath-laying will be held at the bust of Perez located at the city plaza.
Flowers will be offered at the tomb of Perez at the San Carlos City public cemetery.
Dagupan City will also hold a commemorative program at the bust of Perez in Barangay Herrero-Perez.
Perez authored the cityhood of Dagupan by virtue of Republic Act No. 170 which was signed into law by President Manuel Roxas on June 20, 1947.
Perez died in Quezon City on August 4, 1957. (PNA)
