“Ingko Pedong” laid to rest

CEBU, Philippines - Thousands of Mandauehanons yesterday paid their last respect to the late former mayor Alfredo Ouano as he was laid to rest at the family’s mausoleum in Mandaue City.

Known to many as “Ingko Pedong,” Mayor Jonas Cortes considered him as a symbol of humility and kindness.

Monsignor Joselito Tajanlangit reminded those who attended the funeral mass about Ingko Pedong’s wish before he died, which is to tell his political enemies that he bears no personal grudges against them and that he is asking for their forgiveness as he has already forgiven them all.

The Mandaue City Council passed a resolution expressing the deepest condolence and profoundest sympathy of the officials of Mandaue City to the bereaved family of the former local chief executive.

“The passing away of Honorable Alfredo Mendoza Ouano has left an emptiness and irreparable void in our community and inexplicable vacuum in our hearts and minds especially to those who have been the beneficiary of his acts of charity and self-sacrifice,” the resolution stated.

The members of the City Council also gave the late Ouano patriarch the honors of being “an epitome of various gargantuan vertical and horizontal accomplishments for the city.”

Among the accomplishments attributed to him is the reclamation of the 180 hectares foreshore land that now houses the Cebu International Convention Center; the construction of Cebu Bus Terminal, the Multi-purpose building, the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex, among others.

The resolution also stated that Ouano will be remembered as a political kingpin and a strongman capable of establishing a dynasty and as a political dynamo ever ready to ignite fabulous and powerful attacks against any mighty and formidable opponents.

“He is likewise famous and recognized for his exemplary ability to create wits, humor and jokes either simple, wild, and green notwithstanding the level and standard of his audience, he could make all of them burst into laughters,” the resolution added.

The four-page resolution was read by Cortes during the necrological service the other day.

Ouano died on November 7 at the age of 90 because of prostate and bone cancers. (FREEMAN)