PEOPLE visit the wake of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. in Dagupan City on Saturday.
DAGUPAN CITY – The remains of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. arrived in this city on Saturday, Feb. 14, for a two-day wake.
An honor guard led the arrival ceremony as city officials and residents formally received his remains before proceeding to the Dagupan City Plaza for a necrological service.
Wreaths were offered by Mayor Belen T. Fernandez, Vice Mayor Dean Bryan L. Kua, and members of the Sanggunian Panlungsod.
A symbolic 60-Second Naming of Legacy was delivered, followed by a moment of silence and prayer.
The city government described the ceremony as a dignified final homecoming and a powerful expression of unity, gratitude, and remembrance for a leader.
At 10 a.m., a necrological program and public viewing were held at the city plaza, where a framed Sanggunian resolution of condolence was formally presented to his family.
Tributes and eulogies highlighted De Venecia’s decades of public service and lasting contributions to Dagupan and the nation.
His remains were taken to Simbahan ya Bato in Bonuan Gueset here where he will lie in state on Feb. 14 and 15. The church is open to the public for visitation.
Vigil masses were scheduled at 5 p.m. Saturday, presided over by Bishop Socrates Villegas, and 4 p.m. Sunday by Bishop Jesus Cabrera.
Evening necrological services will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday led by family members Pangasinan fourth district Rep. Gina de Venecia and former Pangasinan Rep. Christopher de Venecia where they are expected to remember and pay tribute to his accomplishments.