Palace, Church, Pacquiao pay tribute to mothers
In celebration of Mother’s Day, Malacañang lauded all moms yesterday for their “unmatched sacrifices” and recognized the contributions of those who serve both the home and the frontlines in the battle against the pandemic.
“On this special day dedicated to them, we value the contribution of all mothers, especially those working in the frontlines, to nation-building and our fight against COVID-19,” said Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.
“Their (mothers) unmatched sacrifices for us all, whether they may be mothers by birth, adoption, or foster care, are something we can never repay. It is through our mothers’ unwavering love, support, and guidance that we first experience happiness, comfort, and the wonders of life,” he said.
Apart from expressing gratitude to one’s mother, Andanar also urged the public to remember the mothers who have died because their “lasting presence and spirit continue to live on within the generations they helped shape and form.”
Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo, in his homily at the Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Pasay City, said that the Gospel, just like the world’s mother, is centered on love. “Our first experience of love is through our mother. Even before we were born we already experienced the love of the mother. In fact we are born because of the love of the mother. Literally they gave us life,” said Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) apostolic administrator.
Even before giving birth, a person already shared a life bond with the mother, said Pabillo. While inside the womb for nine months, the fetus would share in her food, blood and oxygen.
“What else can you call it except love?” he said.
Detained Sen. Leila de Lima, meanwhile, heaped praises on all mothers for shaping today’s Filipino youth to bring about positive change to society amid the enormous challenges facing the country.
“Despite the crisis, we continue to find hope in the determination of the Filipino youth to usher in meaningful social change, and we owe much of this to those who raised them to be selfless and compassionate even amid suffering,” she said.
She likened Filipinos’ love for their country to that of a mother’s unconditional love for her children as it is “constant and persevering.
On a more personal note, Sen. Manny Pacquiao paid tribute to his wife Jinkee and his mother who is publicly known as “Mommy Dionisia.”
“Thank you Babe for sharing your love and your life with me and our children. I am eternally grateful that during my moments of victory and defeat, you were there to make me feel the warmth of your embrace, the comfort of your kiss and the encouragement of your voice,” Pacquiao posted on Instagram.
For Mommy D, the fighting senator who rose from abject poverty had this message in Filipino: “Much has changed in our lives now compared to how it was in Bukidnon, and this is because of you. Ma, your love and strength was our inspiration for us to work hard to reach our dreams.”