BY MATÈ ESPINA
IT WAS shocking to hear about the passing of a good friend and fellow Rotarian, Prof. Jigger Latoza. Another good man gone too soon because of COVID-19.
Social media was abuzz upon learning of his demise and Jigger would have been happy to see how he was loved and looked up to by many. He was, to many people – The Jigger – he was just larger than life which comes with a boisterous laughter that we will always remember.
Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Trenas paid tribute to Jigger saying he was “very helpful when it came to the development of the city.”
Indeed, Jigger was from the private sector but his civic works and his penchant to serve in so many capacities, made him a public persona. Although he lived and worked in Iloilo City, Jigger grew up in Victorias City, Negros Occidental and finished high school at the Don Bosco Technical Institute here.
Thus, his involvement in development projects was not only in Panay but also here in Negros where he collaborated with so many people and organizations as fondly recalled by Rose Depra, fellow Rotarian and Executive Director of the Negros Economic Development Foundation.
Former Bacolod councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue called Jigger as “one of the best Ilonggo minds of my generation.” DTI chair, Engiemar Tupaz also posted about him.
Jigger was also a journalist and there were a number of media colleagues who posted on social media about him. In fact I first learned about Jigger’s passing from the post of Nereo Lujan. I was in disbelief as I remembered seeing Jigger’s post just a few days before.
Then I also saw the posts of broadcaster Runji Jamolo, former GMA news chief Rexcel Sorza, my brother Nonoy, and Daily Guardian where Jigger was an editorial consultant.
I’ve known Jigger for forever. I met him first as a media practitioner when we both attended the first Visayas Media Summit more than a decade ago. But in recent years, it was mostly in Rotary that we interacted and many Rotarians were really saddened by his passing like Past District Governor Ronnie Gabalda who posted about losing a friend. Ronnie is another Negrense, who was actually my neighbor, but like Jigger, was drawn to the life in Iloilo and made it their home.
Rotarians Eva Jaena and Dhudz Berondo also posted messages calling Jigger their mentor and friend.
Dhudz said it took him awhile to accept Jigger’s death as they were still able to talk the night before. “You left great footprints and I am grateful to be one of those lucky enough to experience the blessing of your life,” Dhudz said.
Just days before he passed away, Jigger’s social media page showed he was in a meeting frenzy, both virtually and physically. It just shows how varied his involvement was in a lot of foundations and non-profit groups, including Red Cross Iloilo that called him a fellow Humanitarian Volunteer.
Among his last posts was a Mother’s Day tribute to his mom who passed away last year and Jigger said, “Someone had said that we all die twice. The first time is when we breathe our last, and the second time is when those who know us stop saying our name.”
“My mother died in July last year. But she will not die a second time because for as long as her children and grandchildren live, we will never stop saying her name with affection and reverence, and we will not cease from speaking, with appreciation, about her courageous love, her inexhaustible reservoir of kindness, and her compassionate service to those in need of help. Happy Mother’s Day, Nanay! You are greatly loved and sorely missed. Thank you for everything,” Jigger posted.
Many would have said that about him. He may not be with us anymore but he will continue to live longer because his friends and those whose lives he touched will never cease from speaking about his greatness.
Rest in peace Jigger. You will be missed./PN
