Salamat guid Senator Franklin Drilon!
A speech for our beloved Senator Franklin Drilon, by the founder of the 1Meal Program, Teresa “Nene” Chan.
It takes a lot to be a good leader of our nation. A mayor, a congressman, a senator, a president.
It takes more than a kind heart or a dream to help our fellow countrymen.
It takes hard work, dedication, and a lot of sacrifice.
Senator Frank, you are the living embodiment of a true leader.
You have had a long climb to the top of your career.
From your decades-long law practice, to your (9) years in the executive department working as
secretary of justice, secretary of labor, and executive secretary.
All the way to your years in the Philippine Senate, and
You have struggled and grown through your journey to earn all of your titles.
You have been steadfast in upholding the rule of law.
You are loyal to the Filipino people, even when they scorn you,
You respect and hold our democracy with the utmost care and respect that it deserves.
You are a guiding light for the Filipinos on what leadership is and should be.
Senator Frank, as many of you know, is one of the most significant architects for our province of Iloilo. Not only do we credit him with the Esplanade, Sunset Boulevard, and Convention Center, but he is the man behind many of the projects that have improved our provincial economy: our international airport, (I have a funny story to tell you and I always tease him about this), circumferential road, diversion road, and most recently the Jalaur Dam, (timely project during this time when we are experiencing food shortages). He even accompanied and supported me when I presented, to then President GMA our plans to build the Central Azucarera de San Antonio, as he wished to provide ilonggos with more means of livelihood.
You have so many more projects here Senator, if I were to name them all we would be here all night. But rest assured that all of your endeavors are greatly appreciated. You have planted the seeds, that will bring bounty to all future generations of Ilonggos.
I have always had the utmost respect for Senator Frank but what endeared him to me actually was in 1994, when my father, Tony Chan, passed away. I was inconsolable, being the closest to my Father. Senator Frank was one of the first to visit, and much to my surprise he was crying, as if his own father had passed. His humility, and his sincerity truly touched me that day and I was so moved to see that my father was so loved by so many, no less than a very dignified and respected leader of our country.
My father was always impressed with you Senator, and I’m sure he would be happy that we have remained close.I wish we had more years with you at the helm, Senator, but now that you are retiring, I wish to
give my heartfelt congratulations sir, for a job excellently done, you have changed our country
for the better and you have improved the lives of millions of filipinos. We are better because of
your sacrifice and dedication Senator.
I still expect many great things from you Sir, the title of Senator does not change who you are. You will always be, to me, and to all of us here Senator Frank Drilon, but more than that we look at you as
Utod namon, amigo sing tanan, Isa ka ilonggo na nag hatag sang tanan para sa kaayuhan sing aton ciudad kag probinsya sing Iloilo
Salamat guid nga madamo Senator Frank,
