The late Nueva Vizcaya Governor Carlos Padilla (left) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Alberto del Rosario (MANILA BULLETIN)

The recently departed former Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary Alberto del Rosario and Nueva Vizcaya Governor Carlos Padilla were honored by the House of Representatives during plenary session Tuesday afternoon, May 9.

This, after the 300-strong chamber adopted House Resolution (HR) Nos.928 and 949, which recognized the accomplishments of Del Rosario and Padilla, respectively, in their private lives and as public servants.

The resolutions were introduced by House Speaker and Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez, Majority Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. MannixDalipe, Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos, Committee on Accounts Chairperson and Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Assistant Majority Leader and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre.

“The passing of Sec. Del Rosario and Gov. Padilla, also a former minority leader in the House of Representatives, is a great loss to our country. Their contributions to the betterment of our country and their legacy in public service will never be forgotten,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Del Rosario passed away last April 18 at the age of 83, survived by his wife, Gretchen de Venecia and children, Albert Jr., Margaret del Rosario-Isleta, Hans Louis and Dr. Ingeborg Regina.

“A hardworking and committed diplomat, true patriot, and a defender of democracy, the demise of Honorable Albert del Rosario is a great loss to the entire country, and he will forever be remembered as one of the courageous leaders who exuded firm and dignified diplomacy in defending the national interest of the whole Filipino nation,” HR No.928 read.

“During his tenure as Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Honorable del Rosario spearheaded the filing of a landmark Philippine government arbitration case that challenged the validity of China’s sprawling territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” it added.

The favorable ruling for the Philippines is seen as a significant diplomatic victory.

“A consummate diplomat with integrity and unwavering commitment to public service, Honorable del Rosario received the highest award for diplomats, the Order of Sikatuna Award, Rank of Datu in 2004, for his outstanding efforts in promoting foreign relations,” the resolution said.

On the other hand, HR No.949, which was adopted in consolidation with HR No.946, recognized the contributions of Padilla both as a lawmaker and a local government executive.

“Honorable Padilla will always be remembered for his contribution in crafting meaningful pieces of legislation and for his passion and dedication to uplift the socio-economic status not only of Novo Vizcayanos, but also the Filipino people in general,” it said.

Padilla has more than four decades of experience in public service. He served as mayor of the Municipality of  Dupax, Nueva Vizcaya from 1971 to 1975 and Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya from 1975 to 1978; assemblyman for Nueva Vizcaya in the Interim Batasang Pambansa from 1978 to 1984; representative of the lone legislative district of Nueva Vizcaya during the 8th Congress from 1987 to 1992, 10th to 12th Congresses from 1995 to 2004 and 14th to 16th Congresses from 2007 to 2016; and governor of Nueva Vizcaya from 2016 until his demise on May 5.

“Honorable Padilla held different prominent positions in the House of Representatives such as Deputy Speaker, Minority Leader and Deputy Minority Leader; Chairperson of the Committees on Education and Indigenous People,” the resolution read.

As a lawmaker, he authored several important laws such as the “Free Public Secondary Education Act of 1988", “Philippine Librarianship Act", “Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act", “Philippine Nursing Act of 2002”, “Children’s Emergency and Protection Act", and the “Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008”, among many others.

Padilla is survived by his wife, Ruth Padilla, former Governor of Nueva Vizcaya; his children, Carlos “Jojo” II, Ruthie Maye and Carlo Paolo; and his grandchildren.