LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—The Sison Auditorium was filled with pride and historical significance last June 12, 2023 as the province commemorated the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood and paid tribute to the life of Don Daniel B. Maramba, the esteemed 7th Governor of Pangasinan, known as the “Grand Old Man” of Pangasinan. Don Daniel B. Maramba, a distinguished figure in Philippine history, served as an assemblyman, senator, and a Katipunero under the name “Baga.”
With the theme, “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan,” the province came together for a solemn wreath-laying ceremony where Mr. Alikhan Maramba, a descendant of Don Daniel B. Maramba, along with PNP Pangasinan Provincial Director PCol. Jeff E. Fanged and Governor Ramon V. Guico III, offered their respects.
Mr. Alikhan Maramba, representing the Maramba Clan or the Don Daniel Maramba Council in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan for organizing the prestigious commemoration and honoring his “Laki Daniel.” As a gesture of gratitude, he presented Governor Guico III with a book entitled, “Daniel Maramba: His Life and Times,” written by the eldest son of Don Daniel B. Maramba, Felix D. Maramba, Sr., during the centennial anniversary of his father.
Governor Guico III expressed his deep gratitude for Don Daniel B. Maramba’s contributions to Pangasinan and the entire Philippines. He emphasized that, much like Don Daniel Maramba, who fought against oppression during his time, modern-day challenges such as poverty persists. In response, the Provincial Government of Pangasinan is establishing a local college to equip Pangasinenses, particularly the youth, with the knowledge and skills necessary to overcome these obstacles. Governor Guico III also revealed plans to celebrate another local hero during next year’s Independence Day celebration, aiming to inspire and learn from their exemplary lives. He stated, “All of us should think of the past, act on the present, and secure the future. We want to take care of the present, learn from the past, and secure the province of Pangasinan.”
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) likewise presented the 125th anniversary commemorative coin of Philippine Independence and Nationhood to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan. This set of commemorative coins, featuring the latest digital printing technology, includes 100 piso, 20 piso, and 5 piso denominations. These coins are the first colored non-circulation commemorative coins produced by the BSP.
The event also marked the launch of Kampo Kalangwëran, a volunteer program conceptualized by the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO), led by PTCAO head Maria Luisa Amor-Elduayan. Kampo Kalangwëran aims to engage the youth in supporting the provincial government’s thrust in the protection, development, and promotion of Pangasinan’s natural and cultural heritage, while learning more about their communities and the importance of volunteerism in their overall personal and communal growth. More than a hundred volunteers enthusiastically signed up via the Kampo Kalangwëran Google Form.
Be sure to follow the Pangasinan Tourism Facebook Page and the Kampo Kalangwëran Facebook Page for more updates.
/MTLC
Photos: KFC
