Dagupan City mourns passing of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
Dagupan City is mourning the passing of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at the age of 89.
Mayor Belen T. Fernandez expressed deep sorrow and gratitude as she paid tribute to the late statesman.
Fernandez thanked De Venecia for his crucial role during Dagupan’s darkest chapter – the aftermath of the devastating 1990 earthquake.
She said De Venecia firmly stood for Dagupan when the city needed help the most.
Fernandez said that through his leadership and authorship of vital national funding, he became the principal architect of the city’s rehabilitation.
“Maraming salamat, Speaker Joe. Dagupan will forever remember,” the mayor said.
(Thank you Speaker Joe. Dagupan will forever remember)
De Venecia, a five-time Speaker, was born in Dagupan City on Dec. 26, 1936.
He was a principal author and champion of landmark laws that shaped national development.
The De Venecia family, in a statement, said they announced his passing “with heavy hearts.” They remembered him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and patriarch who devoted more than six decades to public service as a journalist, diplomat, entrepreneur, legislator, and global advocate for peace.
“As we mourn his passing, we give thanks for a life that helped shape the Philippine republic — and for a legacy that endures in our laws, our institutions, and our continuing pursuit of peace,” the family said.
He is survived by his wife, Pangasinan fourth district Rep. Gina de Venecia, their children Vivian and Dennis Garcia; Joey and Karen de Venecia; Sandra and Mark Haner; Leslie Norton; Carissa and Juju Evangelista; Philip Cruz; their son, former Rep. Christopher de Venecia, the memory of their late child, KC de Venecia, and grandchildren and extended family.
Details regarding the wake and interment will be announced shortly, his family said.