WHILE the nation reveres former five-time Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. as an exemplary statesman, his province mates in Pangasinan and family view him not only as a political leader but as a profound source of pride and a living hero.

His wife, Rep. Gina Perez de Venecia, the congresswoman of the Fourth District of Pangasinan, affectionately refers to him as “my one true treasure in life.”

In a heartfelt speech during the celebration of his 90th birthday on December 28 at Golden Bay Fresh Seafood Restaurant in Pasay City, Mrs. De Venecia reflected, “Marrying Joe was the turning point of my life—our union expanded my horizons, reshaped my path, and infused me with renewed purpose.”

She reminisced about the bouquet of red roses he sent her just three days after their initial meeting in 1983, recalling the note in which he declared, “With each rose, I crown thee the Empress of My Heart and Sovereign of My Domain.”

A member of the illustrious Perez family known for their ownership of Sampaguita Pictures, Gina held these words dear, believing in his promise. Together, they fulfilled that promise, marrying soon thereafter and welcoming two children, Toff and KC, who tragically lost her life in a fire that consumed their Makati home.

Toff, who served as a three-term Congressman for the Fourth District of Pangasinan, is fondly remembered by his community as well as the whole nation.

Reflecting the adage that behind every successful man stands a woman, Joe rose to prominence in 1987 when he returned to Congress, eventually ascending to the role of Speaker of the House of Representatives in 1992, a milestone achieved during Fidel V. Ramos’s presidency.

Little did young Joe envision that he would become one of the Philippines’ highest officials. Instead, he immersed himself in the simple joys of life, surrounded by loving friends and family in Dagupan.

Joe himself recalled the struggles of his youth during the Japanese occupation, when he earned a few centavos gathering grasses for horses of karitela drivers and foraged for crabs to feed his family, selling extras in the market.

These early hardships instilled in Joe a promise: if he ever became someone significant, he would dedicate himself to fostering peace in the world, a vision

Mrs. De Venecia noted JdV unknowingly predicted as he embraced his future roles as a statesman, peacemaker, and global Filipino committed to enhancing the lives of all Filipinos. (Leonardo Micua)