‘An icon in public service’: Noy Pabling passes on

CEBU, Philippines —  Pablo “Pabling” Garcia, the patriarch of Cebu’s Garcia clan, died Wednesday night. He was 95.

Noy Pabling’s passing was confirmed in a post on the Facebook page of his son, Third District Rep. Pablo John “PJ” Garcia.

As of this writing, the family has not disclosed details about the death.

PJ said, however, that in view of current quarantine status restrictions, wake and interment services shall be limited to immediate family members.

Further announcements on necrological services shall be made as soon as quarantine restrictions ease, he added.

Aside from being a former governor (1995-2004), Pabling also served as congressman (1987-1995 in Cebu’s third district and Cebu’s second district in 2007-2013), municipal councilor of Dumanjug, Cebu (1951); senior board member of the Province of Cebu (1967-1969); and vice governor of the Province of Cebu (1969-1971);

A topnotcher in the 1951 Bar Examinations (3rd place), he was a distinguished trial lawyer, law professor, and respected constitutionalist.

He is survived by his other children, Gwendolyn (the current governor), Deirdra, Winston, Byron, Farla and Pablo John, as well as 27 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

With his death, Pabling joins his late wife, Judge Esperanza Fiel Garcia, and his late sons, Nelson (former mayor of Dumanjug) and Marlon (former mayor of Barili), in communion with the Creator.

An audio-visual presentation posted on Governor Gwendolyn Garcia’s page said that Pabling led the construction of Cuatro Caminos road projects, the vegetable highway, and other infrastructure projects during his term.

As a lawmaker, he crafted laws such as Cooperative Code of the Philippines.

The former governor, the AVP said, was able to protect the interests of the Cebuanos when he led the recovery of the properties owned by the Capitol which were then donated to Cebu City. This after winning the case against Capitol officials responsible for such donation.

Now, these properties have become assets of Cebu province.

Messages

First District Rep. Eduardo  Gullas said that when Pabling was then the governor, he built the Cebu provincial legislative building and the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) that currently houses persons deprived of liberty.

“For me, pañero Pabling was not only a colleague and friend; he was also a brother. We have shared many moments together as lawmakers in the House of Representatives during the 9th, 14th and 15th Congresses,” Gullas said.

“He has served the Cebuanos with dedication and selfless love. Rest in peace, my good friend and brother,” he added.

Gullas added that Pabling’s legacy and achievements as representative of Cebu’s second and third congressional districts and as one of Cebu’s longest serving governors will go untarnished.

Sixth District Rep. Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon, for her part, wrote: “Our hearts are enveloped with unfathomable grief with the passing of Cebu’s dearest Governor and Deputy Speaker, Pablo ‘Pabling’ Paras Garcia, whose contributions to Cebu and nation building are immeasurable. The Philippines just lost a great statesman, one whose achievements are unmatched. We will always remember you with much love and respect, Noy Pabling.”

Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Paz Radaza also sent her message of support to the Garcia family.

“Sa niining higayon sa pagsubo, akong itanyag ang akong lalom nga pag-ampo nga siya hatagan og dayong kalinaw didto sa gakos sa atong Ginoo, ug hatagan og angayng kusog ang iyang pamilya ug mga higala niining panahon. Your legacies stay with us and will forever be cherished,” Radaza said.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, meanwhile, said that with Pabling’s death, Cebu has lost a great man.

“Noy Pabling, as he is fondly called, has positively influenced the political and economic landscape of Cebu, ushering in development and transformed the province into a bustling metropolis outside Metro Manila. With his passing, the Oponganons join the entire Cebuano populace in grief and sorrow,” Chan said.

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo also said Cebu lost an icon in public service whose significant contributions have not only impacted Cebu, but the entire country as well.

 “As patriarch of the Garcia family, Pabling mentored many of our current leaders in public service here in Cebu, including incumbent Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Rep. Pablo John Garcia, and Cebu City Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia,” said the mayor, who just came back for work after several weeks of undergoing medical leave.

Labella said Pabling was a loss not only to the family but also to the country. — Le Phyllis F. Antojado, JMD (FREEMAN)