Governor Gedeon Gador Quijano, Misamis Occidental
The longest-serving governor of Misamis Occidental was a true-blooded Cebuano. His name was Gedeon Gador Qujiano. He was born on December 13, 1910 in Alcantara, Cebu. The father of Governor Quijano was Bishop Juan Quijano of the Philippine Independent Church.
Governor Gedeon married Eugenia Tagdulang of Tangub (now a city) in Misamis Occidental. His children's name were acronyms, the eldest was Sela who married a Borromeo. Her name stands for Segundena, Eugenia, Luciana, Ako). The second child was Zeus who became a doctor, he is named after the Greek god. The third was Cari, who also became a doctor. Her name stands for China, America, Russia, and Inglatera.
Before World War II, Gedeon, who was a Doctor of Medicine, was popular among the masses. Since there was vacancy at the Office of the Governor of Misamis Occidental with the execution of Don Jose Ozamiz on February 11, 1944 and thereafter, he was appointed by President Manuel Acuna Roxas in 1946, after the latter defeated Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. in the election held on April 23, 1946.
Doctor Gedeon, who was acting governor then ran for election and won, was reelected for another three terms. His service to the people as Governor of Misamis Occidental ended on December 30, 1967 with his defeat by Henry Regalado. His opponent was supported by shipping magnate Congressman William Chiongbian, also of Cebuano roots.
Governor Gedeon left the Philippines when President Marcos declared Martial Law and worked in hospitals in the United States. He came back to the Philippines after Martial Law was lifted and he lived in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental. He died on May 15, 1989.
Governor Quijano was the defender of Tangub as he led the leaders of Misamis Occidental in opposing the effort to divide the town. He went to the Presidential Palace and met with President Carlos Polistico Garcia on December 18, 1959 together with Alfonso Tan, the Mayor of Tangub.
The Quijano Clan of Cebu produced great lawyers, among them Gonzalo Quijano (admitted to the Bar on February 2, 1951), Ignacio (who became a lawyer on January 18, 1954), Sabas (of Medellin, admitted to the Bar on January 26, 1961), Froilan (February 23, 1962), Ramsey (April 12, 1996), Froilan Jr. (May 5, 1999), Ramon (Medellin, May 20, 1986) and Pericles of Badian, admitted to the Bar on March 2, 1956.
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