Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Gov. Reynante Tolentino, Aurora Lone District Rep. Rommel Angara and Maj. Gen. Joseph Norwin Pasamonte lead laying of wreath in honor of the137th birth anniversary of Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon at the capitol grounds in Baler, Aurora Wednesday morning (Feb. 19, 2025).
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday vowed to help Aurora pursue further progress, saying no province in the country would be left behind in terms of development.
The leader of the 306-strong House of Representatives made the commitment in remarks during the celebration of the 46th Founding Anniversary of the Province of Aurora and 137th Birth Anniversary of Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon at the provincial capitol grounds in Baler town.
The ceremony was attended by Rep. Rommel Rico Angara, Governor Reynante Tolentino, Vice Governor Jennifer Araña, Gabriel Quezon Avancena, grandson of Pres. Manuel Luis Quezon; other provincial officials, civil servants, business leaders, farmers, fisherfolk, students, and other residents of the province.
Also present during the event were Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales, Jr., Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, and Reps. Lani Mercado Revilla, representing Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla,Jr.; Emerson Pascual (4th District, Nueva Ecija), Carmelo Lazatin (1st District, Pampanga), Joseph Tan (4th Disrict, Isabela), Loreto Amante (3rd District, Laguna), and Faustino Michael Carlos Dy (5th District, Isabela).
“As Speaker of the House, I stand before you not to make promises, but to make a commitment. Walang maiiwan. Aurora will not be left behind,” Speaker Romualdez told his audience.
“We will work to ensure: Better roads and bridges so farmers can bring their harvest to markets faster, more schools and scholarships so the youth of Aurora can reach their full potential; stronger healthcare services, so no family has to choose between medicine and food; and support for agriculture and fisheries, so that the lifeblood of Aurora remains strong,” he said.
He stressed that progress should not be confined to cities and other urban areas.
“It must reach every town, every barangay, every home. Walang probinsyang mahuhuli sa pag-unlad,” he stressed.
He added that the province of Aurora represents “a promise that when we work together, when we put service above self, when we trust in each other, walang imposible.”
The House leader exhorted his fellow civil servants to “renew that promise.”
“Let us work together. Let us dream bigger. Let us make sure that Aurora continues to rise – mas matatag, mas maunlad, mas handa sa kinabukasan,” he said.
In his remarks, Speaker Romualdez highlighted the contribution’s of the province to the country and the legacy of Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon.
“Aurora is a province of great beauty, but even greater history. It is a land of waves and mountains, of resilience and quiet strength. But above all, Aurora is a land of service—true, selfless, and unwavering,” he said.
“Aurora has given so much to this country – its resources, its culture, its heroes. And today, I say to you: Aurora deserves more,” he said.
He pointed out that being an Auroran “is not just about being born in this province – it is about carrying its values. Sipag. Tiyaga. Malasakit. Bayanihan. It is about working hard, trusting one another, and lifting each other up.”
Paying tribute to Doña Aurora Aragon-Quezon, Speaker Romualdez described her as “a woman who did not seek the spotlight, but whose light continues to shine in the hearts of her people.”
“She led with compassion, served with dignity, and gave her life for others. That is the spirit of Aurora. That is the spirit we celebrate today,” he added.
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