MANILA, Philippines - Press Secretary Cerge Remonde was laid to rest in his hometown of Argao, Cebu yesterday after being given full military honors.
President Arroyo and Vice President Noli de Castro and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia led government officials and thousands of residents in paying their last respects to Remonde, who died of a heart attack last Tuesday at the age of 51.
The remains were brought to the St. Michael Archangel Parish Church for a requiem Mass after Remonde was conferred the rank of Reserve Lieutenant Colonel by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Victor Ibrado.
Remonde was laid to rest with the traditional 21-gun salute befitting his military rank.
The military conferment was held at the President Diosdado Macapagal-Arroyo Sports Complex, where the public viewed Remonde’s remains since last Friday.
The widow, Marit Stinus-Remonde, and Remonde’s brother Hermes Alburo received the set of uniform, insignia and certificate of commission of the late press secretary.
Marit took the opportunity to express the family’s gratitude to those who condoled with them in this time of grief and also loved her late husband.
Marit said it was some 17 years ago when she first met Cerge, whom she described as a man who was broke but had strong conviction to attain his dreams.
“And he shared his dreams with me. I know Cerge was able to live all those dreams. Wherever he went, whatever he did, whatever conviction he held he always did it differently than anybody else. He always made an impact. He always touched more lives than anybody else,” Marit said.
Msgr. Cristobal Garcia led the requiem Mass for his close friend.
Garcia told the congregation that he and Remonde had been riding tandem the procession float every year for some 20 years to celebrate the feast of the Sto. Nino de Cebu in January.
Every time, Garcia said, he observed Remonde’s devotion and strong faith in God.
Alburo, for his part, also thanked Mrs. Arroyo for allowing his brother to serve in her Cabinet. – Fred Languido/The Freeman