By Nimfa L. Estrellado-Laurino Officials, relatives and guests gather at the newly unveiled monument to former Sen. Lorenzo “Ka Tanny” Tañad...
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| Officials, relatives and guests gather at the newly unveiled monument to former Sen. Lorenzo “Ka Tanny” Tañada in Gumaca. (We Love Gumaca) |
GUMACA, Quezon — A national struggle for civil liberties and sovereignty returned to the hometown of one of its most enduring voices. Gumaca unveiled a monument to former senator Lorenzo “Ka Tanny” Tañada on Aug. 10, marking the 128th anniversary of his birth.
Along Aurelio Nava Boulevard, Mayor Webster D. Letargo led a ceremony that included the monument’s blessing and a floral offering. Former Quezon Fourth District representative Erin Tañada and guest speaker Lorenzo “Franco” Tañada Yam joined municipal officials, family members and residents.
The tribute connected a local act of remembrance to a Senate career defined by nationalism, civil liberties and resistance to authoritarian rule. Born in Gumaca in 1898, Tañada served in the chamber from 1947 to 1971 and became known as the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Politics.”
The program continued at Gumaca National High School in Barangay Pipisik, where Yam delivered a message and relatives shared accounts of the statesman’s public service and personal life. The observance carried the theme “Ang Tinig ng Nasyonalismo, Ilaw ng Demokrasya,” according to the Municipal Government of Gumaca.
In his Facebook post, Letargo framed Tañada’s Senate record as evidence that longevity in office did not have to weaken conviction. He pointed to the statesman’s four consecutive terms as a measure of principled public service.
“Sa loob ng dalawampu’t apat na taon, naglingkod si Ka Tanny sa Senado nang may tapang at talino. Higit sa lahat, nanindigan siya sa mga prinsipyong gumabay sa kanyang paglilingkod,” Letargo said.
Letargo also emphasized Gumaca’s responsibility to preserve the memory of the statesman born in the town. He presented Tañada’s name as a source of local pride and an inheritance that younger residents must protect.
“Ang pangalang Lorenzo Tañada ay patuloy na nagbibigay ng karangalan sa Bayan ng Gumaca. Tungkulin nating panatilihing buhay ang kanyang legasiya para sa mga susunod na salinlahi,” Letargo said.
During his Senate career, Tañada introduced 166 bills advocating civil liberties and nationalist responses to the country’s problems. After leaving the chamber, he became a leading opponent of the Marcos dictatorship and the continued presence of United States military bases in the Philippines.
Tañada argued that nationalism should be cultivated through education rather than invoked only during public ceremonies. Addressing a Manuel L. Quezon University graduating class in 1967, he linked meaningful education to service of the country.
“If we would make meaningful individuals out of the youth who are entrusted to us, it is incumbent in us to gear education ultimately to the service of the country. This can mean only one thing in the Philippines—to be worthy and worthwhile, education must be nationalist-oriented,” Tañada said.
Tañada acknowledged that political life often tested a public official’s commitment to principle. His reflection appeared in the June 1992 national edition of Philippine Human Rights Update.
“Men in public life are often faced with the disheartening task of making difficult decisions. I have tried to stand for principles, to base my actions on certain political ideals even at the risk of political annihilation,” Tañada said.
Malacañang declared Aug. 10 a special nonworking day in Gumaca through Proclamation No. 1362, allowing residents to participate in the commemoration. The monument now gives the annual observance a permanent public marker in the hometown of a leader whose principles helped shape the country’s democratic history.
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