Former Cebu gov., “Eddiegul” passes away at 95

CEBU, Philippines — Former Cebu governor, congressman, and long-time educator Eduardo “Eddiegul” R. Gullas Sr. has passed away at the age of 95, as confirmed by his son, Gerald Anthony “Didi” Gullas Sr., through his cousin John Vicente Gullas, vice chairman of The Freeman and Banat News.

His son Didi revealed that septic shock, pneumonia, and acute respiratory failure caused Eddiegul’s passing early yesterday morning at a hospital in Cebu City. His family members were by his side at the time of his death.

 Eddiegul was the son of the late Vicente Gullas, founder of the Visayan Institute (now the University of the Visayas [UV]) and Josefina “Pining” Rivera.

 A lawyer and educator, fondly called “Eddiegul” by Cebuanos, he was a towering figure in both politics and education.

   The former leader of the Alayon Party, Eddiegul served as congressman for Cebu’s 1st District for seven terms from 1992 to 2001, 2004 to 2013, and 2019 to 2022 under alliances with the Nacionalista Party and One Cebu Party.

He was appointed governor of Cebu by former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. from 1976 to 1986, and later served as mayor of Talisay City from 2001 to 2004, and again from 2016 to 2019.

Eddiegul was instrumental in the conversion of Talisay into a city on January 12, 2001, through Republic Act 8979, for which he was the principal author while serving as congressman.

He also founded the Talisay City College (TCC) during his term as mayor in 2004, providing free education to underprivileged students. Many Talisaynons have since earned college degrees through TCC and secured employment in various industries, helping their families rise from poverty.

 Among his notable legislative initiatives were House Bill No. 5169, which sought to restore English as the primary medium of instruction, and House Bill No. 8461, which proposed to declare December 31 as National Thanksgiving Day, both reflecting his lifelong advocacy for education and values formation.

 Beyond politics, he was also known as president and chairman emeritus of the University of the Visayas (UV), Cebu’s first university, founded by his father Vicente Gullas.

Fondly remembered as both statesman and educator, Eddiegul dedicated his life to public service and accessible education for the youth.

He is survived by his wife Norma Selma-Gullas, their children and grandchildren, including Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas and Councilor Eduardo “Digul” Gullas III.

Eddiegul's wake is being held at Crystal Palace, Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City. – RAE  (CEBU NEWS)