Late President Quezon awarded for helping Jewish refugees

(Updated 11:42 a.m.) Late President Manuel L. Quezon was awarded on Wednesday for implementing an "Open Doors Policy" that helped some 1,300 European Jewish refugees during the World War II.

 

The turnover of the posthumous Raoul Wallenberg Medal to Quezon's daughter, Zenaida, was witnessed by President Benigno Aquino III at the Quezon Memorial Shrine in Quezon City on Wednesday morning.

 

Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Effie Ben-Matitayo, who presented the award to Quezon's descendants, called the late Philippine president a "great leader and humanitarian."

 

"When he saw the plight of Jews in Europe, he opened the door for those in need," the envoy said.

 

In response, Undersecretary Manolo Quezon, the late President's grandson, urged the Filipino youth to emulate his grandfather's compassion towards those in need.

 

"May this encourage future generations of Filipinos to stay true to the compassionate ideals of our founding fathers," Usec. Quezon said.

 

Aquino also led a flag-raising ceremony and offered a wreath near the Quezon Memorial Shrine to commemorate Quezon's 137th birth anniversary.

 

The President also toured the modernized Museo ni Manuel Quezon located at the base of the Quezon Memorial Shrine.

 

The museum houses a collection of Quezon's memorabilia, a hologram of the late President delivering his inaugural address, and interactive terminals explaining his presidency. —ALG, GMA News