The 122nd birth anniversary of President Elpidio Quirino will be commemorated Friday in three locations—Manila and Vigan and Caoayan, both in Ilocos Sur.
Apo Pidiong, as he was fondly called, was the son of Mariano Quirino, a commissioned officer in the Spanish Army, and Gregoria Rivera of La Union. A product of early childhood education in Aringay Elementary in San Fernando, La Union, he then continued his studies in Vigan High School and Manila High School where he passed the civil service exam, first grade. He graduated with a law degree from the University of the Philippines.
Quirino’s 45 years in government service covered the positions of barrio school teacher, property clerk in the Manila police department, law clerk in the Philippine Commission (later to become the Philippine Senate), secretary to then Senate President Manuel Quezon, congressman of Ilocos Sur, senator, vice president and finally second president of the republic from 1948-1953.
Leading the birth anniversary rites in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, will be his granddaughter, Cory Quirino, together with Gov. Chavit Singson, Vice Gov. Deogracias Victor Savellano and board member Jeremias “Jerry” Singson with a program at the provincial capitol. The Manila rites will be led by Mayor Alfredo Lim, Poncy Quirino and Lila Quirino. Memorial service starts at 8 a.m. at President Elpidio Quirino Monument on Roxas Boulevard corner Quirino Avenue in Malate.