Bulakenyos pay tribute to Gat Blas Ople
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan—Provincial officials and thousands of Bulakenyos on February 3 paid tribute to one of the province’s most illustrious sons and statesmen, the late Gat Blas F. Ople, during the commemoration of his 93rd birth anniversary held in front of the Livelihood Training Center in this city.
Gov. Daniel Fernando led the annual celebration with this year’s theme, “Pagtugon sa Tawag ng Tungkulin Tungo sa Dakilang Mithiin.”
“Gat Blas F. Ople is Bulacan’s gift to the world. Every year, we will never stop remembering you, what you have contributed to our country. And for the generations to come and be a leader one day, we will tell them. What you have done in Bulacan cannot be destroyed and forgotten,” Fernando said.
Also present were Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, City of Malolos Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian, Guiguinto Mayor Ambrosio Cruz Jr., Board Members Erlene Luz de la Cruz, Allan Andan, and Alex Castro, volunteer workers, senior citizens, Boy Scouts of the Philippines members, and employees of the provincial government.
Former Board Member Felix V. Ople, son of Ka Blas—as the late statesman was fondly called—spoke on behalf of their family and paid tribute to his father’s dedication to serving the public.
“Until the very end, he always offered his life on behalf of our people and up to his last breath, he was serving for all of us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Carolina, who was the guest of honor, encouraged young Bulakenyos to serve with integrity and to help promote welfare in the country.
“Although his heroism is read or heard in celebrations like this, I encourage young people to be honest and to serve our country as Blas Ople and to help support the welfare of the people,” he said.