By Joy R. Sevilla
Coach Freddie Roach is GenSan’s adopted son: General Santos City (9 November 2013) – During the Sangguniang Panglunsod session on Tuesday, November 5, coach Frederick Steven “Freddie” Roach is formally accepted by City Mayor Ronnel Rivera as an adopted son of General Santos City by virtue of Resolution No. 470 authored by City Councilor Franklin Gacal. Gacal said naming Roach as GenSan’s adopted son was an act of acknowledging his contribution in bringing fame to the city worldwide. (GENSAN INFO OFFICE/Russell Delvo)
ALABEL, Sarangani (November 11, 2013) – The provincial government of Sarangani has declared Frederick Steven “Freddie” Roach as adopted son of the province, being an instrument for molding Rep. Manny Pacquiao to become a world boxing icon, bringing pride to Sarangani and the Philippines.
Roach received a plaque of appreciation from Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon and Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao during the flag raising ceremony at the Capitol Monday (November 11).
Roach said it is a great honor for him to be acknowledged by the province as a Sarangani.
Governor Solon, on the other hand, said Roach is an exemplar of excellence and discipline.
“It is truly an honor to have Roach with us. We know how it is difficult to be a coach and mentor. It really requires a high level of skill. You need to have long patience, be excellent and be disciplined to study the technicalities of the sports,” the governor said.
Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao also expressed her gratefulness to Roach for spending most of his time in sharing his skills and techniques, making Rep. Pacquiao pound-for-pound king.
“Freddie is like a brother to me. We are thankful that God gave us a friend who became an instrument for my husband to become a champion. Ang laki ng time na naibigay niya sa amin and we are so proud to have him here in Sarangani,” she pointed out.
Meanwhile, Board Member Eugene Alzate announced that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has drafted a resolution declaring Roach as adopted son of Sarangani which will be presented on Tuesday’s SP Session. (Joy R. Sevilla/ SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)