Pacquiao hailed as symbol of true ‘Mindanawon Filipino’

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party-list today hails Manny Pacquiao as a symbol of the Mindanawon Filipino.
“The victory of Manny Pacquiao shows the whole world what a true Mindanawon Filipino can do amidst adversity. His grit and determination in conquering all odds are values very closed not only to Filipinos but more so to every Mindanawon,” said AMIN Rep. Ariel C. Hernandez.
Hernandez said that like Pacquiao, every Mindanawon Filipino knows what it takes to conquer the world.

“Like Pacquiao, who rose to become the first and only boxer to capture seven championship belts in seven weight divisions and thus cemented his legacy as boxing’s saving grace, the Mindanawon Filipino can rise above Manila’s continued prejudices and biases and become the Philippines’ saving grace in the midst of devastating typhoons and political instability,” he said.
Hernandez said that it is high time that Mindanawons work together to erase the stigma brought upon the island by the “Hello Garci” scandal in 2004, in light of the upcoming presidential elections in 2010.
“Hello Garci” refers to the alleged wiretapped conversations where vote rigging in the 2004 elections was discussed by, among others, a woman presumed to be President Arroyo and man presumed to be Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.
“What Mindanao needs is to be given the chance to shine. We have the tools and the machineries, we have the talents and abilities. But we are continued to be sidelined as mere spectators and recipients in the affairs of our country. This should not be. We in Mindanao must join together and show that we can also contribute towards the progress and development of the Philippines,” Hernandez said.
“The devastation wrought on Luzon by the recent typhoons is a challenge to us Filipinos, and more so to us Mindanawons, to show the whole country, especially those in Luzon and the Visayas, that we can supply our country’s food requirement without resorting to importation. We just need to work hard at it and not let go until we achieve what we all dreamed of—a peaceful, progressive and developed Mindanao,” he added.
Hernandez, a boxing aficionado, said Pacquiao’s achievement in the world arena is a milestone worthy of emulation.
“His unsurpassed achievement in boxing is now a standard that every boxer aspires for. For the Filipino, Manny Pacquiao is a symbol of what a Mindanawon can do,” he said. ###