CITY OF MALOLOS – The Provincial Government of Bulacan headed by Governor Daniel Fernando led the annual remembrance, a wreath laying ceremony before the monument of Gat Blas F. Ople during the commemoration of his 95th Birth Anniversary held in front of the Gusaling Gat Blas F. Ople: Sentro ng Kabataan, Kaalaman at Hanapbuhay (Provincial Livelihood Center), Antonio S. Bautista Bulacan Provincial Capitol Compound in this city on Thursday.
The celebration was traditionally made through the Provincial History, Arts and Culture Office (PHACTO) in cooperation with the Provincial Youth, Sports and Public Employment Service Office (PYSPESO), Provincial Public Affairs Office (PPAO), Provincial General Services Office (PGSO), Provincial Civil Security and Jail Management Office (PCSJMO), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) among others.
In this day, Fernando has declared February 3, 2022, Thursday, as a Special Working Holiday in the Province of Bulacan in honor to “Ka Blas”.
This is in accordance with the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) Memorandum: DRF-01272022-10 and based on the instructions of the Office of the President of the Philippines for this year 2022 and through the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs (ODESLA) with regard to Internal Office Guidelines with Full Discretion of the Executive Secretary and the President of the Philippines on Prioritization of Holidays.
Fernando recalled the deeds of ‘Ka Blas’ during his time and how he dedicated his life in service as he encouraged the new generation especially the youth to emulate and be inspired of what Ople did as a public servant and a pride of Bulacan not only to Bulakenyo but also for every Filipino people.
“Sama-sama po nating gunitain sa ating lalawigan ang napakahalagang araw ng kaarawan ng ating itinuturing na modern day hero na si Ka Blas na umukit sa pahina ng kasaysayan hindi lamang sa Bulacan kundi pati sa loob at labas ng bansa,” Fernando said.
Ople was a champion of International Labor, framer of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, senate president from 1999 to 2000 and secretary of Foreign Affairs from 2002 until his death.
