Palace declares July 13 a National Day of Remembrance for Dolphy

source: gmanetwork.com

Malacañang on Thursday declared July 13, 2012 as a National Day of Remembrance in honor of the late King of Comedy Dolphy (or Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. in real life).

"Tonight President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 433, declaring tomorrow, July 13, 2012 a National Day of Remembrance to honor the memory of the late Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon, Sr.," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement released late Thursday.

She said the President issued the proclamation "in recognition of how the nation deeply feels the passing of Dolphy."

"On the Day of National Remembrance, to honor the memory of the late Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon Sr., the President asks all our countrymen to reflect on the art and artistry, the personal kindness and generosity, and deep patriotism of Dolphy, and the manner in which he exemplified in his works and life, the positive values of the Filipino people," she said.

But Valte said that even as the country grieves the loss of the King of Comedy, Filipinos must also celebrate his legacy.

"We should never forget that Dolphy made generations of Filipinos laugh; he was unparalleled in tapping into our inherently jovial spirit—that both challenges and triumphs could be met with optimism and cheer; and that therefore, this was the greatest gift he gave the Filipino people, and this is the kindness that he will always be remembered for: Dolphy was relentless in reminding us all to always open ourselves to joy," she said.

"The President asks all our countrymen to make this Day of Remembrance a celebration of the full life that Dolphy, with utmost generosity, shared with the country," she added.

In the proclamation, Valte said Aquino described Dolphy as "a man who will live on in Philippine cultural history and in the hearts of many of his countrymen."

"[He also] said that every milestone that Dolphy marked in a career that spanned decades, raised the standards of the entertainment industry, and strengthened our cultural identity, giving innumerable aspirants an example to look up to," she said.

She said the President also cited Dolphy as a philanthropist, whose encouragement of charitable causes was "driven by a deep-rooted recognition of the promise within his fellowmen and a genuinely generous heart."

"The President’s proclamation is in keeping with the wishes expressed by the late Dolphy himself, and his family, that he be remembered not with sadness, but with the same warmth and joy he brought to the lives of millions throughout his career," she said.

Earlier in the day, Aquino also stated that he was in favor of declaring Dolphy as a National Artist.

He quickly noted, however, that this must still go through the proper process.

The President later visited the wake of Dolphy at The Heritage Park in Taguig City. The comedian passed away on Tuesday night.
source: gmanetwork.com