YMCA-CDO commemorates late benefactor Don Paterno Velez

The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Cagayan de Oro celebrates the organization’s 55th founding anniversary honoring one of this city’s philanthropists the late Don Paterno Velez commemorating his many contributions to communities in the said city and the province where it resides yesterday.

During the YMCA 55th founding anniversary held at its building in Julio Pacana St., in the said city on Friday the organization cemented the legacy of its late YMCA-benefactor through an unveiling of his bust portrait lead by YMCA members and witnessed by his daughter Marinela N. Velez..

The said bust portrait took over a year to finish and was made by renowned artists Jojo Sescon of Urian Arts based in Iligan City. Meanwhile, Nicolas Aca was commissioned by YMCA in fabricating the brass dedication marker.

Sescon for his part said he was honored to be part of the YMCA’s endeavor to honor a remarkable and generous man.

“It’s an honor na mag buhat (bust portrait) sa usa ka nindot na tao nga who was really in the heart nga matabangon especially sa youth. Usa lang kana nga rason ngano importanti kaayo na mahatagan gayud siyag recognition,” Sescon said.

Marinela praised the artistry of Sescon “I did not even know who the artist would be before, but I am very glad he was selected, because he is very talented and you can see it really looks like my father. I almost cried when I saw it,” she said.

According to Sol Marie Ucab, YMCA consulting secretary, the statue symbolizes philanthropy.

“YMCA members are voluntary. They render voluntary services and I hope the thoughtfulness of Don Paterno Velez will not stop, and it is just the beginning. Especially we are still pursuing many projects for YMCA to be able to provide youth programs to our youth members,” Ucab said.
Ucab added if it was not for his generous contribution to the YMCA organization the building which its stand in Cagayan de Oro would not have been erected.

“If not for his property this YMCA building would not have been erected. It was due to the donation of Mr. Velez’s property in barangay Indahag na guipananghid sa YMCA board before na ibaligya ug maoy gigamit pag tukod sa building. Because out of that building’s rentals hangtud karon dako ug tabang samoa (YMCA) mga projects,” Ucab concluded.

The bust portrait of the late Don Paterno Velez can be seen inside the entrance hall of the YMCA building.