Roxas City - The first president of the third Republic of the Philippines , Manuel Acuña Roxas, played a crucial role in the establishment of the modern state of Israel 60 years ago.

           In yesterday’s commemoration of the 60th death anniversary of Roxas, Israeli Ambassador Zvi Vapni said that the then Philippine president recognized the modern state of Israel after a United Nations (UN) fiat in 1948.

            Vapni lauded Roxas for his stand, noting that presidents of other countries then refused to recognized the Israeli state.

            Roxas instructed then Secretary Carlos P. Romulo, who was the country’s representative to the UN, to vote in favor of an Israeli state, Vapni said.

            Romulo’s vote broke the tied votes of those in favor and against the Israeli state.

            Sadly, a month before the formal declaration of the modern state of Israel on MAY 18, Roxas died. He had a heart attack while delivering an impassioned speech at Clark Field, Pampanga.

            Vapni was invited by Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco Sr. as honored guest. The commemoration was also a part of the celebration of the 107th founding anniversary of Capiz that Roxas also served as governor at the age of 27.

            A wreath laying activity was held on his monument at the Roxas City public plaza. It was attended by Mrs. Judy Araneta-Roxas, the late President’s daughter-in-law, and all local officials of Capiz.

            Tanco said President Roxas was a great loss to the country and its people. He worked for the independence of the Philippines from the United States and saw to it that the Philippine flag unfurl during his time.

By: FELIPE CELINO