ILOILO – Former 2nd District congressman and Pavia mayor Arcadio H. Gorriceta passed away at 12:18 a.m. yesterday. He was 74.
According to Cong. Michael Gorriceta, his father succumbed to sepsis and pneumonia.
The former congressman – who also had kidney problems and was undergoing dialysis thrice a week – was taken to a private hospital in Iloilo City on June 19.
“Kadugay naman sang ginasuprer niya nga balatian. Nagbigay ang vital organs nya. Nakita gid man namon nga nakapoy na sia,” said the younger Gorriceta.
In 2017, the then congressman was diagnosed with a mass in his spine and Stage 4 cancer that spread to his kidneys and lungs.
According to Gorriceta, Metro Manila doctors they consulted gave his father between six months to one year to live should he survive a major surgery.
“We were grateful my father lived for three more years,” said Gorriceta.
During those three years, the former congressman managed to check several places in the 2nd District such as the fledgling tourism destination Bucari in Leon town.
It was through the former congressman’s effort that Bucari was developed.
Gorriceta said his father also visited Pavia parish’s Sta. Monica Church which was restored through the efforts of the former municipal mayor.
According to the congressman, his father breathed his last without suffering much pain and for that their family was grateful.
Yesterday afternoon the former congressman and mayor’s wake commenced at the Sta. Monica Church as he wished.
Gorriceta served as Pavia mayor for three straight terms of three years each from 2004 to 2013.
He was elected congressman in 2013 and served the 2nd District until 2019.
Former Iloilo governor Arthur Defensor Sr. said Gorriceta’s passing away was a big loss to Pavia and the 2nd District.
He said Gorriceta’s clean and transparent leadership was inspiring.
“He was a big loss to all the people who dream of good governance, of committed and dedicated service to the people,” said Defensor.
According to the former governor, Gorriceta was not a politician but accepted the challenge of public service and thus entered politics to put the 2nd District in order.
“I am saddened by the news. We worked together in the early days of Metro Iloilo as it progressed to the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council,” said Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas.
In Congress, Treñas said he and Gorriceta organized the “Visayan bloc” of congressmen.
“We dreamed and worked for a better Metro Iloilo-Guimaras that will provide more opportunities for our people,” said Treñas.
Meanwhile, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said his relationship with Gorriceta went beyond politics.
“Si Cong. Cads was more of a family friend sa amon. Ang politika ulihi na ina nag-abot. Gamay pa ako, Tito Cadio na sia sa akon,” said Defensor.
In local governance, he said Gorriceta should be remembered for the reforms and changes he introduced to Pavia and the 2nd District (composed of Pavia, Santa Barbara, New Lucena, Leganes, Zarraga, San Miguel, Leon, and Alimodian towns)./PN
