President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Thursday Proclamation 433 declaring July 13, 2012 a National Day of Remembrance to honor the memory of the late Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr or Dolphy.
“The President issued the proclamation in recognition of how the nation deeply feels the passing of Dolphy. In the proclamation, the President cited Dolphy as a man who will live on in Philippine cultural history—and in the hearts of many of his countrymen,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement on Thursday.
“President Aquino in his proclamation said that every milestone that Dolphy marked in a career that spanned decades, raised the standards of the entertainment industry, and strengthened our cultural identity, giving innumerable aspirants an example to look up to.”
The President cited Dolphy as a philanthropist, whose encouragement of charitable causes was driven by a deep-rooted genuine generosity.
The President said in the proclamation that it is appropriate to mark the memory of Quizon's contributions to Philippine culture, arts, and entertainment even as the country grieves the loss of the cultural icon.
On the Day of National Remembrance, the President asked all Filipinos to reflect on the art and artistry, the personal kindness and generosity, and deep patriotism of Quizon, and the manner he exemplified in his works the positive values of the Filipino people, Valte said.
Also, the President wants the country to make the Day of Remembrance a celebration of the full life that Quizon, with utmost generosity, shared with the country, she added.
“The President’s proclamation is in keeping with the wishes expressed by the late Dolphy himself, and his family, that he be remembered not with sadness, but with the same warmth and joy he brought to the lives of millions throughout his career,” Valte said.