ILOILO CITY — Mayor Oscar “Oca” Garin Sr. of Guimbal town and considered as the political patriarch of southern Iloilo province died at the age of 80.
Mayor Garin passed away in the afternoon of Sunday, September 26, after having been hospitalized for a week as he was infected with COVID-19.
Mayor Garin’s family holds several elective positions in southern Iloilo including his wife Ninfa, who herself is mayor of San Joaquin town.
His three daughters are also holding elective positions: Iloilo Vice Governor Christine “Tingting” Garin, Rep. Sharon Garin of AAMBIS-Owa Party-list, and Guimbal Vice Mayor Jeniffer Garin-Colada.
Mayor Garin was the father-in-law of incumbent Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Loreto-Garin, the former health secretary and wife of former congressman Oscar “Richard” Garin Jr.
Mayor Garin served as congressman of Iloilo 1st District for four terms in 1987-1998 and 2001-2004.
Mayor Garin was also appointed by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as administrator of the Philippine Coconut Authority.
After Mayor Garin died Sunday afternoon, there was a motorcade to honor his memory. His cremated remains has been brought back to the Garin ancestral house in Guimbal town.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. ordered Monday, September 27, that the Philippine flag must be flown at half-mast for seven days in honor of Mayor Garin.
“He was a charismatic leader who held the absolute love and and loyalty of his people,” said Defensor in a message.
“He has been a leader in Iloilo province for a long time. He has brought a lot of improvements and helped a lot of his constituents,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City in a separate message.