The substance and the purpose

The family of the late Sen. Jose C. Locsin of Silay City, Negros Occidental recently gathered relatives and friends to launch the book “Substance and Purpose, the Life and Legacy of Jose Corteza Locsin”.

The event became a reunion of members of Silay’s old families who came in full force, with most of them not having seen each other for a long time. Also present were the surviving friends and political allies of Sen. Locsin. Those who could not make it, and those who already passed away, were lovingly represented by their descendants.

Former Makati Congressman Teddy Boy Locsin called his granduncle “The Father of Social Justice” for his role of asserting the inclusion of social justice in the constitution when he was a delegate during the 1935 Constitutional Convention.

“During that time, whoever talks about social justice was instantly labelled a communist!” Teddy Boy added. This goes to shows that Sen. Jose C. Locsin was way ahead of his time, he said.

Mayor Jose Montelibano said he considers Sen. Locsin one of Silay’s greatest contributions in nation-building. He also announced that the Silay City government will make the book available to Silay’s public schools to foster a sense of pride among the city’s younger generations.

Going through the pages of the book gives the reader an insider’s glimpse on events in the history of Silay, Negros and the Philippines where Sen. Locsin played pivotal roles. It also shows his inherent patriotism and love for family.

The book is divided into two parts. Part I is mainly the Senator’s autobiography, which he handwrote in Ilonggo between 1961 and shortly before his passing in 1977. The book features both the Ilonggo original with its English translation to give readers an insight of Sen. Locsin’s literary style. Part II is a collection of articles and essays written by different people about Sen. Locsin.*

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