ILOILO – The family, friends and constituents of Guimbal’s Mayor Oscar “Oca” Garin Sr. are mourning.
He died at 3:33 p.m. on Sunday while being treated at a hospital in Iloilo City, said his son former 1st District congressman and former vice governor Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr. in an interview with Panay News.
The 80-year-old Garin patriarch contracted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and was hospitalized for 12 days. He was symptomatic.
The family requested for public understanding as “we mourn our irreplaceable loss.”
“We are most grateful for the words of condolences and encouragement from our friends and supporters,” said Richard.
A send-off caravan was held on Sunday night.
Guimbalanons offered prayers by lighting candles along the road.
Richard said they would strive to be strong as one family.
“Tatay’s legacy of helping and caring for the people of Iloilo will continue,” he said.
Guimbal’s Vice Mayor Jennifer Colada agreed.
“I will miss you, Tatay. I will continue your legacy. Thank you for all the lessons you taught me. As what you have said before, accept your fate and move on. Man proposes, God disposes. I love you so much. There’s no pain greater than losing a father,” Jennifer wrote on Facebook.
Vice Gov. Christine “Tingting” Garin also gave the same vow.
“We lost a great man. Love you so much Tatay. Always & Forever! You’re legacy will live on. Si Oca pa!” said Christine.
AAMBIS-OWA party-list’s Rep. Sharon Garin, meanwhile, was “blessed to have had the best mentor and supporter.”
“Oca is a legend, in this life and after this life,” Sharon said.
Mayor Oca was also survived by his wife, San Joaquin’s Mayor Ninfa Garin.
Prior to becoming mayor of Guimbal, Oca served as congressman of the 1st District which is now represented by his daughter-in-law, Janette, Richard’s wife.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed their sympathies.
“I, my family, the provincial government, and the people of the province of Iloilo offer our heartfelt condolences to the family,” said Defensor.
Having served as congressman of the 1st District of Iloilo from 1987 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2004, “Mayor Oca will be long-remembered for the pioneering projects he initiated that shaped the 1st District into what it is today,” said Defensor.
“He was a charismatic leader who held the absolute love and loyalty of his people,” Defensor added. “His legacy will live on in the infrastructure services he delivered, the relationships he built, and in the lives he touched over the course of his long career as a public servant.”
Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas, meanwhile, said the patriarch “brought a lot of improvements and helped a lot of his constituents.”
“Let us all pray for the eternal repose of his soul. May he rest in peace,” said Treñas.
Mayors Carina Flores (Oton), Macario Napulan (Miag-ao), Raul Banias (Concepcion), Jaime Esmeralda (Igbaras), Suzette Alquisada (Tigbauan), and 3rd District Board Member Jason Gonzales, among others, also expressed solidarity with the Garin family./PN
