MS. MARGOT YORAC Remarks 2nd Gawad Haydee Yorac Awarding Rites March 4, 2008, 5:30 P.M. Meralco Theatre

Mr. Manuel Lopez, Dr. Emerlinda Roman, Senator Manny Villar, officers and members of the Meralco-UP, Gawad Search Committee, the Gawad Secretariat, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: good evening to all of you!

As we celebrate the 2nd Gawad awarding ceremonies in honor of our late sister, I wish to thank you for the kind and inspiring words you have said about her. In behalf of the family, I am deeply honored to be here and share with you this occasion to remember and commemorate my sister’s short but fruitful and meaningful life.

Indeed, this is a fitting tribute to a woman whose life was synonymous with public service, whose work, sacrifices and heroic acts deserve replicating and emulating.

In this day and age, when our country is caught between EVIL forces and modern day angelic HEROES.

• When SELF-INTEREST takes precedence over TRUTH and JUSTICE,
• When GREED is tolerated and DISHONESTY is rewarded
• When BASIC RIGHTS are ignored and violated
• When CORE VALUES like honesty, courage, fairness and transparency are neglected or taken for granted

Wouldn’t this be the right moment, the right time to call on the involve persons like Haydee and say: “Give us the light! Lead us the way.”

There are many personal memories that I could tell you, but on this occasion I would like to share with you two important lessons that she has taught me; two attitudes that I believe she exemplified in her life.

FIRST, to reach out and help others --- especially the weak and the helpless – regardless of personal cost

SECOND, to do what is right and to speak what is true,

It is about inspiring to the highest level we can reach or being true to what we are as human beings. It is to know what is right and do what is right. We have to look within our hearts, inside our minds and examine our souls so we can truly know ourselves – what we want to be, what we aspire to be.

In retrospect, Haydee’s enduring legacy was, still and always will be LIFE.

• governed by the highest principles
• guided by a strong faith in God
• illuminated by her unswerving love of country
• marked by a strict adherence to the rule of LAW, and
• ruled by unequivocal service to her countrymen from all walks of life

Lastly, we her family would like to express our deepest thanks and appreciation to Meralco led by Mr. Manuel Lopez, as well as to the University of the Philippines under President Emerlinda Roman for making this Annual Gawad Haydee Yorac an inspiring event that inspires and encourages our fellow citizens like Nene Guevara to aspire towards the highest ideals that can transform our society and create a better Philippines!