By Brian Jules Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit on tattoo artist Maria “Whang-Od” Oggay and presented the Presidential Letter of Felicitation along with a centenarian stamp to Chief Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile.
Marcos noted Apo Whang-Od as a “pioneer in shattering gender stereotypes” by venturing into a traditionally male-dominated field and recognized her contributions to the country’s traditional arts as a master “mababatok” in Buscalan and for preserving “Butbut Kalinga” artform.
“We are honoring Apo Whang-od for works that have made her and the country famous, for other achievements that make her a Filipina worthy of our respect and of our admiration,” the President said in a speech during the awarding rites for the 2023 Outstanding Government Workers in Malacañang.
“She is a keeper of the oral traditions and a mentor, teaching a new generation of artists, thus ensuring that her art form lives on to tell tales of her community’s history,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive also hosted a lunch in celebration of Enrile’s 100th birthday and honored the new centenarian’s significant contributions to past and present administrations.
“I must tell you that 100 years of living in this world is a fleeting time but it recalls to my mind all the dramas, the sufferings, the challenges, and so many things that happened in my life,” Enrile, also known for initials JPE, tearfully said.
JPE noted the “happiest moment” of his life was serving the respective presidencies of two Marcoses. He served as Justice Secretary and Defense Minister during the senior Marcos’ administration while currently serving as younger Marcos’ Chief Presidential Legal Counsel.
Asked for his birthday wish, Enrile asked everyone to support the Marcos administration.
“I would like to ask you as a special gift to me on my 100th year. Starting from the lowest – of our society, to help the President succeed—not for himself but I wish that he will succeed for himself, but I wish we will help him,” he added. – avds
