Palawan 3rd district Rep. Edward Hagedorn (Facebook)

Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Rep. Eddie Villanueva expressed his gratitude to his dear colleague Palawan 3rd district Rep. Edward Hagedorn, who passed away at the age of 76 on Tuesday, Oct. 3. 

“Mayor/Congressman Ed is a treasured gem in the annals of Philippine governance and politics,” said Villanueva in a statement. 

The CIBAC solon explained that he personally witnessed Hagedorn’s “outstanding and visionary leadership which catapulted the Underground River in Palawan to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New Wonder of the World". 

Villanueva emphasized the late congressman’s dedication to selfless public service. He said Hagedorn sought to help the poor and the needy, especially the Palaweños. 

He said Hagedorn was an “ambassador of God’s help” to those who were in need. 

“Congressman Ed, like me, was a former hopeless man who became recipient of God’s amazing love and a transformed life. His changed life has led many to come and receive God’s message of hope and love,” said Villanueva, who is a pastor. 

“What a life full of earthly and eternal significance. I will greatly miss him,” he added. 

In the House of Representatives, Hagedorn and Villanueva jointly authored House Bill (HB) No.5837, which sought to designate March 30 as an annual non-working holiday in commemoration of Puerto Princesa’s status as ‘City of the Living God’. 

They also penned HB No. 6373, which sought to declare surroundings of Kalayaan Island Group and Scarborough Shoal as marine protected areas.