In the grand classroom of life, where the curriculum is as diverse as the people who inhabit it, few can claim to have consistently achieved top marks. However, there are always exceptions to the rule, and one such exception shines brightly as he celebrates his 75th year: EdPam.
For many, 75 might symbolize the bare minimum, the lowest passing grade in some academic settings. But for EdPam, it represents a lifetime of excellence, a testament to his unwavering commitment to personal growth, resilience, and success in every aspect of life.
Born into a world ripe with challenges and opportunities, EdPam embraced each hurdle as an opportunity to soar higher. From his formative years, he exhibited a thirst for knowledge, a hunger for new experiences, and an unyielding determination to excel. He satisfies this thirst for knowledge through his eft-quoted advise to young people: “to succeed in life, follow these three secrets: Read! Read! Read!” You can still see him enjoy this luxury as he is always immersed in reading the latest edition of a newspaper or focused on his gadget reading articles from all over the world with diverse topics and interests.
As he journeyed through the decades, navigating the twists and turns of life’s curriculum, EdPam consistently rose to the occasion. In his professional endeavors, whether as a leader in his field, a mentor to aspiring minds, or a beacon of inspiration to those around him, he approached every task with enthusiasm, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
In his personal life, Edpam’s warmth, kindness, and generosity have left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who have had the privilege of knowing him. His ability to find joy in simple pleasures, to weather life’s storms with grace, and to uplift those around him is a testament to his remarkable character and unwavering spirit.
As EdPam celebrates 75 years of passing life with flying colors, let us join together in honoring not just the passing of another year but the culmination of a lifetime filled with achievement, fulfillment, and the enduring pursuit of greatness.
As he reaches this milestone, it’s a time not just for celebration but for profound reflection on the remarkable journey of a man whose life has been dedicated to the service of his nation and its people.
With each passing year, EdPam has not only exemplified excellence but has redefined it, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of politics and governance.
Born from a deep-rooted commitment to public service, Edpam, being the son of the well-loved Vice-Mayor of Angeles, Alberto, who served for more than 3 decades, has emerged as a beacon of leadership, with a career characterized by unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy for the betterment of society. His tenure as mayor started when he was tasked to take the helm of leading Angeles City after it was devastated and turned into a ghost town by the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. He inspired the people to rise from the stupor and feeling of hopelessness and helplessness. Just like the mythical phoenix which is born again after being consumed by fire, Edpam inspired his people to rise again from the ashes of destruction and bring back the life of the city.
He was the first and only 5-term mayor of Angeles City, marked by six consecutive years as the Most Outstanding Mayor, and being listed as Top 8 world’s best Mayor by the World Mayors Foundation. These awards and recognition stand as a testament to his unparalleled ability to effect positive change at the grassroots level, transforming communities and touching the lives of countless individuals.
His commitment to public service was not confined to the local government. In various capacities, he was appointed to different national government positions, including a stint as General Manager of the National Housing Authority, Presidential Adviser for External Affairs, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Talks, Chairman of the Subic-Clark Alliance doe Development; Development Champion of the Luzon Urban Beltway super region; National President of the League of Cities of the Philippines, Chairman of the Regional Development Council, and is currently the Chairman of the Clark Development Corporation.
For all his service to the people of the Philippines, he was awarded the Lakandula Award, Rank of Bayani, the highest award given by the President of the Republic of the Philippines to a civilian whose work and service is worthy of emulation by all Filipinos.
Yet, it is not just the accolades and awards that define Edpam’s legacy. It is his unwavering commitment to the ideals of integrity, transparency, and compassion that truly sets him apart. Throughout his illustrious career, he has remained steadfast in his pursuit of excellence, never wavering in his resolve to serve the people with honesty and sincerity.
During the celebration, Edpam was surrounded by family members, former co-workers in government; from Malacanang to City Hall to Clark. They came from all over the country and from different parts of the world. From former barangay officials to the former President of the Philippines, Edpam’s guest list is as diverse as the paths he has taken. And all those people who attended have nothing but praises, well-wishes and reminiscences of how Edpam touched their lives, one way or the other.
As EdPam celebrates his 75th birthday surrounded by loved ones, colleagues, and admirers, let us take a moment to honor not just the passing of another year but the culmination of a lifetime of service and sacrifice. May his days be filled with the joy of knowing that his dedication has made a profound difference in the lives of so many, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
Happy 75th birthday, EdPam. Your commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to the welfare of others serve as a shining example for us all.