THE Cebu Provincial Board (PB) passed a resolution congratulating Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao despite his defeat.
The resolution was approved unanimously during the board’s regular session on Monday.
PB Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy, the author, said Pacquiao may have lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr., but he still managed to unify the Cebuanos and restore a sense of “Filipino pride” in them.
Pacquiao, who is also the district congressman of Sarangani, was defeated in the May 3 fight in Las Vegas.
Sitoy said Pacquiao showed courage and vigor that astonished not only the Cebuanos but the entire country and the world.
“Despite his loss … he emerged victorious by winning the hearts of many nations in the world and strengthening the pride of Filipinos,” Sitoy said.
He added that just as the boxer remarkably displayed courage and skill during his fight with Mayweather, he hoped that Pacquiao will continue to do so in his career as an athlete and as a public servant as well.
At Cebu City Hall, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella delivered a privilege speech urging the national government to declare Pacquiao an Ambassador of Goodwill.
He said Pacquiao has become the embodiment of the Filipino and the Filipino dream.
“His demeanor and character even after the decision is a hallmark of Filipinos worldwide,” Labella said.
He pointed out the importance of providing the youth a role model as influential as Pacquiao.
Labella noted that the 1987 Constitution provides for the holistic development of the youth and recognizes their role in nation-building. Experiential learning is the best way for the youth to develop their intellect, independence and camaraderie with their fellow Filipino youth, he added.
“It is important that we are able to put a model up there for Filipinos, especially the youth, to admire,” Labella said.