CEBU CITY – The patriarch of one of the most notable political families in Cebu has died.
Former Cebu Governor Pablo “Pabling” Garcia passed away at the age of 95.
He is survived by his children, incumbent Cebu governor Gwendolyn, Deirdra, Winston, Byron, Farla and Pablo John, as well as 27 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
“It is with deep sorrow that the family of Pablo “Pabling” Paras Garcia announces his passing last night, the 18th of August, 2021,” Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John, said in a Facebook post.
“The family requests prayers for his eternal repose, and privacy in this difficult time of profound grief,” Pablo John added.
Garcia was three-term governor of the Province of Cebu (1995-2004).
Garcia became a municipal councilor of Dumanjug town, Cebu in 1951 and was a Senior Board Member of the Province of Cebu from 1967 to 1969). He became was the province’s Vice-Governor from 1969 to 1971) before becoming a congressman representing the 3rd Congressional District of Cebu from 1987-1995).
Garcia, who ranked third in the 1951 Bar Examinations, also served as Congressman of Cebu’s 2nd Congressional District and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 14th and 15th Congresses (2007-2013).
Garcia’s late wife was Judge Esperanza Fiel Garcia.
Garcia’s death came about a year after the passing of his two sons, Nelson and Marlon, who died less than a week apart due to COVID-19 last year.
Garcia was the second former Cebu governor to die this year after Emilio “Lito” Osmeña, who passed on last July 19.