Move to name airport after Pelaez sparks row in Misor board

By Lito Rulona

THE provincial board on Monday deferred discussions on a proposal to name the Laguindingan airport in Misamis Oriental after the late former Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez.

Provincial board member Benedict Lagbas authored a proposed resolution to call on the President and Congress to honor Pelaez by naming the airport after the late statesman from Misamis Oriental.

But provincial board member Nancy Madjos opposed the proposed resolution even as she appealed Reps. Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro and Abante Mindanao Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. not to push House Bill no. 4331. The bill, which the Rodriguezes authored, seeks to name the new airport after Pelaez.

“There was no consultation,” said Madjos, a former Laguindingan mayor who was involved in the airport project.

Lagbas said naming the airport after Pelaez is fitting given the stature of the late vice president.

He said Pelaez, who had served as a respected legislator before becoming vice president, and subsequently, Philippine ambassador to the US, should be honored given his “unprecedented accomplishments” that gave the province “pride, honor and prestige.”

Pelaez also held various positions in government as congressman, assemblyman, senator, and secretary of foreign affairs.

Lagbas said Pelaez also fathered rural electrification in 1969, the reason why rural electric cooperatives now exist.

Madjos said consultation was needed especially among those who worked and sacrificed for the realization of the airport project.

“Renaming the Laguindingan airport has just come out, and it was not part of the plan during the preparation stage,” she said.

She said she acknowledges Pelaez’s accomplishments “but it is not enough to just set aside the sentiments of the people.”

“Dili matawo ang airport kung usa lamang ang naghago ana. Kinahanglan ang dako nga konsultasyon sa katawhan sa Laguindingan sa labing dali nga panahon,” Madjos said.