The National Economic Protectionism Association (NEPA) successfully celebrated its 77th Founding Anniversary last November 18 at the Club Filipino, San Juan with the Dangal ng NEPA Awards highlighting the event.
The Dangal ng NEPA Awards, NEPA’s recognition given to men and women who contributed significantly to the Association, were awarded to NEPA presidents and stalwarts led by Sec. Salvador M. Enriquez, Jr. NEPA chairman and former NEPA President (1978-82).
Among the other awardees were Dr. Jorge V. SIbal, (former sec-general), Dr. Rene T. Ofreneo, (NEPA president 1994-1996), Nelson Aboganda (NEPA president 1996-2000), Faustino Mendoza, Jr. (NEPA President 2000-2008), and Charito Planas (NEPA Quezon City).
In his remarks, Sec. Salvador M. Enriquez, Jr. exhorted some 100 NEPA members and friends to go on the “offensive” against imperialist powers in order to build a strong country. “If we must steal their technology, spy on their ways, so be it, but let us build our country, enough is enough,” Enriquez boomed.
The 77th Anniversary Celebration also featured the oath taking of new NEPA members, some coming as far as Sorsogon (led by Bokal Vladimir Frivaldo and Dr. Christine Espenilla), Naga (Helios Pastoral), and student chapters from Adamson University (led by Charry Rada) and Quezon City Polytechnic University (led by Lani Cidro).
Dignitaries led by former congressmen Satur Ocampo of Makabayan Party, Liza Maza (Gabriela) and Meneleo Carlos, president of the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) graced the NEPA affair.
Satur Ocampo recalled how NEPA principles taught in elementary and high school subjects during the 50’s helped him in his path to nationalism. Liza Maza proudly shared that her first job out of college at Scholastica’s College was to work as assistant executive director and researcher for then NEPA president Salvador M. Enriquez.
Meneleo Carlos, president of the FPI, bewailed the downtrend in Philippine manufacturing due to the rapid decline in tariff protection and shared NEPA’s hopes to reinvigorate the Buy Made-in-the Philippines Products Campaign. The FPI have a long standing Buy Pinoy Campaign.
Meanwhile, in his acceptance speech, Dr. Ofreneo said that the association’s economic protectionist creed must expand to environmental protectionism and social protectionism. Ofreneo’s message echoed well with NEPA partners like the Foundation for Sustainable Society Inc. (FSSI) Executive Director Jay Lacsamana who emphasized their organization’s commitment to the triple bottom-line echoing Ofreneo’s “three” protectionism.
Also joining the affair were NEPA partners in the civil society circuit and interests groups like Likhaan (inventors association), Center for National Budget led by Joseph Ranola, Ibon Foundation, Alternative Media Venture, Campaigns and Action for Mother Earth Foundation (CAME).
Jess Santiago, noted nationalist singer-composer performed several nationalist songs.
Bayan De la Cruz, current NEPA president, said in his closing speech recalled the year’s achievement and his plans for the coming year. He said that the campaign to reinvigorate the Buy Made-in-the-Philippines Products Week and the industrialization advocacy will top his agenda. Brian Lu, NEPA vice-president opened the ceremonies.
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