GMA Network Inc. founder Gilberto Duavit Sr. passes away, 84

MANILA, Philippines — GMA Network Inc. founder and former Rizal representative Gilberto Duavit Sr. died yesterday at the age of 84, the media giant announced.

“It is with deep sadness that GMA Network Inc. announces the passing of Atty. Gilberto M. Duavit Sr., its founding chairman and member of the board of directors,” GMA said in a statement.

“The board of directors, management and employees of GMA Network Inc. deeply mourn the passing of Atty. Gilberto M. Duavit Sr. We pray for the eternal repose of our beloved Kapuso,” the firm added.

Duavit was the father of current GMA president and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr.

Aside from being a pioneer and icon in Philippine media, Duavit also served as a member of the 9th, 10th, and 11th Congresses, representing the 1st district of Rizal.

He served as senior assistant minority leader in the 10th Congress and chairman of the House committee of appropriations in the 11th Congress after becoming a member of the same House committee in the 9th and 10th Congress.

Duavit was also a delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, representing the 2nd district of Rizal.