Flag on half-mast during Pedong’s interment

CEBU, Philippines -  The Mandaue City Council yesterday approved in mass motion a resolution authorizing the half-mast of the Philippine flag at the City Hall just in time for the interment of the late former mayor Alfredo Ouano.

Ouano's remains will take a short stop at the City Hall grounds on November 17 before the actual burial rites. During his helm as the top city official, he was popularly known as "Ingko Pedong."

City Councilor Beethoven Andaya, proponent of the said resolution, said the half-mast raising of the flag is a great tribute to "a great statesman for his noble deeds to the city."

Andaya called Ouano a "beloved local hero of the city."

"The late former mayor (1988-1998), former vice mayor (1972-17896) and former councilor (1956-1963), Honorable Alfredo M. Ouano, who tucked 31 years of dedicated service to the city in his chest, deserved to be honored and remembered as a symbol of excellent governance and accorded with a pristine ceremony that befit his stature as generous and humble public servant and pride of the city," Andaya's resolution stated.

In a separate interview  yesterday, City Councilor Emmarie "Lollipop" Ouano-Dizon, granddaughter of the late Ingko Pedong, said a necrological service will be held this coming Sunday evening at the residence of the late mayor in Barangay Opao.

Interment mass will be held this  Monday at 2 p.m. at the National Shrine of St. Joseph after which he will be buried at the Mandaue Municipal Cemetery in Barangay Guizo.

According to Ouano-Dizon, before her grandfather will be brought to his final resting place, his remains will be ushered out of his residence at around 1 p.m.

She advised those heading towards Mactan-Cebu International Airport  on Monday to be early as they might be stalled with the traffic.

This as the family of the late mayor has granted the request of Mandauehanons that they be given the chance to carry his remains to his final resting place.

"Nanghangyo man gud ang mga tawo nga kon pwede yayongan lang nila si tatay padung sa simbahan hangtod na sa sementeryo ug magpuli-puli lang daw sila og yayong," Ouano-Dizon said.

And in order not to create traffic build-up, the family has requested for six Kaoshiung buses to transport the people to the church and the cemetery.

She also said even family members will no longer ride in their respective private vehicles but will instead take the bus drive.

The route will be from Plaridel Street then to C.D. Seno, then a short stop at the City Hall grounds for the half-mast raising of the Philippine flag and for City Hall workers and the public to be given the chance to view the remains.

Ouano-Dizon said with the death of Ingko Pedong all of his 11 children were reunited.

She said there maybe sibling  animosity in some  in some of his children, which  cannot be avoided sometimes in a family  but with his death they were all reunited.

Since the late former mayor's death last November 7, hundreds have come to his wake at his residence  which is open for public viewing.

Former co-workers in the government service, local and national politicians and others, senior citizens, private companies and relatives have visited and attended the wake of the Ouano patriarch.

Wreath of flowers have reached the G. Ouano Street from his house.

Ingko Pedong's wife Dolores "Loleng" Zambo-Ouano, who is now 88 years old, just sits on a couch  as she is suffering from rheumatism but she still helps in entertaining visitors with the assistance  of children and grandchildren. She is said to be even humorous at times.

A mass is also held at 8 p.m. every night.  (FREEMAN)