KORONADAL CITY – Mayor Eliordo Ogena passed away on Sunday in a hospital in General Santos City due to lingering illness. He was 72.
Flags flew at half-mast in front of the Koronadal City Hall and at government offices and schools across the city as residents mourned the loss of their city chief executive.
The Koronadal City Information Office said Ogena, a lawyer, dedicated most of his political career to serving the people of Koronadal.
"He dedicated his life to all Koronadaleños; his leadership has a huge impact that led to the development of the city," the CIO said in a statement.
"He will always be remembered for his leadership, commitment to public service, and compassionate service to Koronadal. He left a legacy of progress, hope, and dedicated service that will never be forgotten."
During Monday's flag-raising program, Vice Mayor Erlinda Araquil said she is ready to assume the position vacated by Ogena, who was in his last term as city chief executive.
"I am trained by Mayor Ogena when he designated me, on many occasions, as officer in charge," she said in the vernacular.
City Councilor Mark Lapidez, who served as officer-in-charge while Ogena was in the hospital, said that even in the mayor's final hours, he was still thinking of his constituents' welfare.
Ogena was born on Sept. 10, 1955, in Tantangan, South Cotabato.
He earned his Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines-Diliman in Quezon City and a Master of Laws from the University of Santo Tomas in Sampaloc, Manila, focusing on criminal and commercial law.
He also held a Master's in Public Administration from Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City.
Ogena served as the city mayor since 2019. Before that, he was the city vice mayor, South Cotabato vice governor, provincial board member, and legal officer of the Social Security System.
The family has yet to announce his wake and burial. (PNA)