ILOILO City – Ilonggos commemorated the 103rd birth anniversary of the late senator Rodolfo “Roding” Ganzon on Tuesday, honoring the legacy of one of the city’s most revered leaders known for his advocacy for the poor.
The ceremony was held at the Sen. Roding Ganzon Freedom Park in Molo district and led by Iloilo City’s Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Councilor Rudolph Ganzon, and other members of the Ganzon family.
A floral offering was made at the senator’s monument, attended by family members, supporters, and students from the Iloilo City Community College.
Ganzon, who served as Iloilo City councilor, congressman, mayor, and senator from 1963 to 1969, was widely recognized as the “Champion of the Masses.” He led the “Timawa” movement that championed the rights of the underprivileged.
A bar topnotcher, Ganzon believed education was a tool for social mobility. His efforts to institutionalize free education in Iloilo City earned him the moniker “Father of Free Education.”
Vice Mayor Ganzon, the senator’s son, said his father’s ideals continue to shape the city’s leadership.
“We strive to uphold my father’s legacy through honest and dedicated public service,” he said.
In a family statement, the Ganzons expressed gratitude to those who continue to honor the late senator’s memory, describing him as “Iloilo City’s pillar and pride,” and “the Greatest Statesman Iloilo City has ever had.”
They added: “His spirit remains alive in us—his children, grandchildren, our family, the timawas, and all Ilonggos.”/PN
