Dodong Holganza passes away

CEBU, Philippines - One of the Cebuano freedom fighters who fought against the dictatorship during the martial regime has passed away yesterday due to cerebrovascular accident.

Jose Ribomapil “Dodong” Holganza Sr. was declared dead at 5:05 a.m. by his attending physician at the Chong Hua Hospital.

Medicinet.com defines cerebrovascular accident as the sudden death of some brain cells due to lack of oxygen when the blood flow to the brain is impaired by blockage or rupture of an artery to the brain. It is also referred to as a stroke.

Dodong, 79, was an ex-political detainee. He has served various positions in government.

Dodong’s active role against the dictatorship of the late president Ferdinand Marcos has earned him the recognition from Weslaco City in Texas.

The City Council of Weslaco passed a resolution in 2010 proclaiming every September 30 of the year as “Ribomapil Holganza Day”.

The resolution acknowledged Holganza’s role in bringing back freedom and democracy to the Filipino people during the dark years of martial law in the Philippines.

Souie Camomot Mercado, Dodong’s son-in-law, said the citizens in Weslaco City and San Antonio City were shocked about the report of the passing of his father-in-law.

“I am with Mayor Mike Wise of Weslaco and other government officials here in South Texas, who are in disbelief of what happened,” Mercado said in a message sent through Facebook.

Mercado is married to Dodong’s daughter, Rorie. They are now based in McAllen City, Texas.

Cebu City market administrator and Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement chief Raquel Arce looked up on Dodong as her idol.

Arce said she did not expect her “Daddy Dodong” to die very soon. Dodong stood as one of Arce’s wedding sponsors.

She recalled to have met him during the political campaign of former Cebu City councilor Koko Holganza. Koko, one of Dodong’s sons, ran for congress in the south district.

“Nakita nako kon unsa siya ka good father and supportive father, nakita nako siya kung unsa siya nga pagkatawo – jolly, maayo nga tawo,” Arce said.

 One distinctive character that Arce would remind her of Dodong is his strong standpoint in life.

 “Mobarog, dili mahadlok mobarog,” she said. (FREEMAN)