Manila, Philippines – In a heartfelt tribute, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored his mother, former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, for her enduring contributions to the nation’s development and cultural heritage. The President’s tribute, shared in a recent vlog, highlighted the former First Lady’s instrumental role in establishing specialty hospitals and cultural institutions that continue to benefit millions of Filipinos.
- – Philippines, Japan Forge Historic Defense Pact, Signaling Deeper Regional Ties
- – BYD takes a 20% stake in Rever , Confirms the price must be competitive
President Marcos Jr. recounted his mother’s dedication to uplifting the “soul” of the Philippines, a mission entrusted to her by his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. This led to the creation of iconic landmarks such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Folk Arts Theater, which have become symbols of Filipino artistic expression and national pride.
Beyond cultural initiatives, Imelda Marcos championed the establishment of specialty hospitals like the National Kidney Center, the Children’s Hospital, and the Heart Center. These institutions have provided critical healthcare services to generations of Filipinos, including those affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. The President emphasized the continued relevance of these hospitals, stating, “During the past three years, everyone felt the impact of her specialty hospitals. Her specialty hospitals—the Kidney Center, the Heart Center, the Children’s Hospital—all of them saved countless lives.”
Inspired by his mother’s legacy, President Marcos Jr. announced plans to expand the network of specialty hospitals,ensuring that more Filipinos have access to specialized medical care. He acknowledged his mother’s passion for various endeavors but emphasized her particular love for cultivating Filipino arts and culture, nurturing world-class talents that have brought international recognition to the country.
Reflecting on his mother’s influence, the President highlighted her innate love for the Filipino people as a trait he strives to emulate in his own leadership. He described her ability to connect with people from all walks of life, from fishermen to royalty, emphasizing her genuine warmth and approachability. “My mother is truly a ‘probinsyana’ (woman from the province), and I’m proud of it. That’s her charm. She never lost her simplicity,” he remarked.
President Marcos Jr. acknowledged the challenge of living up to his mother’s achievements, recognizing the dedication and love for the country that fueled her accomplishments. He expressed his deep admiration for both his parents, stating,”Everything they did stemmed from their deep love for the Filipino people and the Philippines. They would give their lives for the Filipino people and the Philippines.”
This tribute to Imelda Marcos’s legacy serves as a reminder of the significant impact individuals can have on national development, particularly in areas like healthcare and cultural preservation. The President’s commitment to expanding specialty hospitals and promoting Filipino arts and culture underscores the ongoing relevance of his mother’s vision for a prosperous and culturally vibrant Philippines.
#MarcosLegacy #PhilippineDevelopment #CulturalHeritage #Healthcare #SpecialtyHospitals