ILOILO – This province commemorates for the first time the late vice governor Ramon D. Duremdes.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Nov. 17, 2021 passed Provincial Ordinance No. 2021-258 declaring July 14 of every year as “Vice Gov. Ramon Divinagracia Duremdes Day” in the province.
“It would be a fitting tribute to the legacy of the longest serving vice governor of Iloilo who was best known for his integrity and ethical leadership in public service as well as in his private life,” said former congressman Pablo Nava III.
Duremdes was elected vice governor of Iloilo in 1971, reelected in 1980 and served until 1986. During the first election for local officials in 1988 after the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, Duremdes won again as vice governor where he served until 1992.
Authored by Iloilo 4th District Provincial Board member Domingo Oso Jr. of Barotac Nuevo, the ordinance was co-authored by Provincial Board member Rolando Distura and ex-officio member Dorothy Paes, both of Dumangas, the hometown of Duremdes.
Duremdes, born July 14, 1920, served as mayor of Dumangas from 1960 to 1969.
Provincial Ordinance No. 2021-258 tasks the provincial government to coordinate with the local government unit of the Municipality of Dumangas to plan and implement activities for the “Vice Gov. Ramon Divinagracia Duremdes Day” and ensure that the late vice governor’s legacy of sports and development, good governance and leadership is given emphasis for the good of the province and its people.
“The province is grateful for the service of a dedicated leader and a devoted comrade who unselfishly offered his wisdom, his heart and his soul to public service. Thus, it is fitting to commemorate his life and many achievements every year,” part of the ordinance read.
In 2014 the provincial legislative body also passed Provincial Ordinance No. 2014-111 renaming the Dumangas District Hospital as “Ramon D. Duremdes District Hospital.”/PN
