Cerge to be laid to rest today

ARGAO, Cebu , Philippines  — The arrival of the remains of the late press secretary Cerge Remonde in his hometown in Argao yesterday was a very emotional moment for his relatives, friends and hundreds of Argaoanons who lined the streets leading to the Diosdado Macapagal Sports and Cultural Center. There his remains will be displayed until burial this afternoon.

The entombment is scheduled at 2:30 p.m. after the Mass today set to be attended by President Gloria Arroyo. His remains will be buried at the Remonde Family Mausoleum in the Argao Public Cemetery.

Escorted by security forces, Remonde is back where his life started, in Argao, yesterday through a motorcade that brought him home from the Malacañang sa Sugbo.

Friends, some relatives and Argaoanons prepared a grand welcome —white ribbons along highways and banners of thanksgiving and condolences— as a tribute to Remonde for all the things that he has done for the town.

Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos was in tears when he told the media Remonde was responsible for so many improvements that can be seen in the town.

“Guol kaayo ‘mi, di mi katuo sa nahitabo niya. Dako kayo siyag gikatampo diri ug daghan pa unta siya’g plano,” Galeos said.

Remonde made possible the construction of P28-million Diosdado Macapagal Sports and Cultural Center project. Galeos said that Remonde donated P20 million while the rest was shouldered by the province and the municipality of Argao.

Remode also asphalted several roads, constructed and renovated a number of classrooms, facilitated a scientist training program for the farmers and promised a better future to 200 scholars who received free College education.

Galeos said that he and Remonde were discussing about developing the public market while he was still alive. With the latter’s unexpected death, Galeos said they are not sure if the plan will still materialize.

“But we are hoping that GMA will continue it,” he said.

The mayor added that Remonde also intended to further help the farmers in Argao by providing them mini-hydro facilities that will help improve their productivity in farming.

Virgilio Alburo, the half-brother of Remonde, could not help but express regret over things that he failed to do for Remonde.

He said Remonde was the one who helped him in his schooling and also get a job as a security guard of what is now the Argao District Hospital.

But Alburo said he failed to finish his Criminology course, to Remonde’s disappointment.

 “Pero wala gyud siya nihunong og pagtabang namo bisan napakyas nako siya,” Alburo said.

Alburo added that Remonde never failed to visit them in Argao, in fact, every Holy Week, all Saint’s Day and Christmas Day, he made sure to attend their family reunions.

“Dako gyud kayo na kawad-an ang pagkamatay niya. Mao gud na siya ang pirmirong haligi namo. Di man gyud mi maayo og income diri, karon na wala na siya, kailangan na gyud mi maningkamot,” Alburo said.

Joy Mamitez Cabardo, Remonde’s cousin who has also worked for him said that the Remonde’s scholarship program, as of now, will have to stop accepting applicants as they are not yet sure whether it will be continued or not.

“Sa karon, pahumanon ang 200 scholars sa ilang pagskwela,” Cabardo said.

President’s itinerary

Arroyo is set to arrive today at 9:30 a.m. at the Mactan Cebu International Airport for the burial of Remonde.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is set to lead the reception party in MCIA together with Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza, 6th District Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Felix Guanzon and other officials.

Before going directly to St. Michael Parish in Argao, the president will attend the Inauguration of Cansaga Bay Bridge Package 1, Phase 2 of Cebu North Coastal Road Project, in barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City, at 10 a.m.

The program will consist of an inaugural drive through, followed by Governor Garcia’s welcome remarks and a message from Rep. Ruiz. DPWH Secretary Victor Domingo will do the project briefing of the bridge.

Engineer Nilo Pamaylon, DPWH project director said that the Cansaga Bay Bridge covers the construction of the bridge across the Cansaga Bay in Mandaue City and the two road approaches with a total length of 1, 250.651 meters costing the government some P2.6 billion.

At 10:30 a.m., Arroyo will be taken from Mandaue City to the town of Argao via motorcade. Expected arrival time at St. Micheal Parish church is noon where the requiem Mass and Necrological Service will be held.

Remonde’s remain will be brought to Argao Municipal Cemetery at 2 p.m.

The president will be escorted by a motorcade going back to MCIA after the burial of Remonde at around 2:30 p.m. — with correspondent Antoniette Parce/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)