More "Mang Godyos" needed
Editor's Note: Below is a short note from Ambassador Rudy Arizala to a friend, Polly Cancio regarding an article on the Gabaldon by Delfin Mallari, Jr. We find it worth posting because of some interesting tidbits about Infanta.
Dear Polly:
Thank you for the PDI newscutting dated 09 October 2008, about the Gabaldon type school building which the people of Infanta, Quezon both at home and abroad have plans through voluntary monetary contributions to reconstruct in said town. I refer to the article: "Town remembers old Gabaldon building" by Delfin T. Mallari, Jr. I received said clippings today, 04 November 2008, via airmail.
The people of Infanta have a tradition of self-help and generosity. As cited by me in the book "Labong ng Kawayan", the sprawling (about a hectare) school ground where the Gabaldon type school building stood before and wherein several school classrooms or units are now located, was donated by the former town "presidente" or mayor of Infanta, Tayabas (now Infanta, Quezon), the late Don Gregorio Rutaquio. Through his efforts also, the planting of coconut trees in the Infanta-Real-General Nakar areas were intensified. These coconut trees saved many people from hunger during the Japanese occupation.
I am glad to know that the new generation of Infantahins has the same spirit of generosity and civic-mindedness as their forebears like Don Gregorio Rutaquio whom the people lovingly called when he was still alive "Mang Godyo".
In the new generation of Infantahins, may so many "Mang Godyos" blossoms and flourish.
Mahigpit na yakap mula sa Chile,
Rudy