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Thousands attend Cagayan solon’s funeral

By CHARLIE C. LAGASCA

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Amid the stormy weather, thousands paid their last respects to the late Cagayan Rep. Florencio Vargas as his remains were finally laid to rest in his Abulug hometown Saturday (August 7).

“All people from all walks of life attended the funeral. Almost all the officials of Cagayan led by Governor (Alvaro) Antonio paid their last respects to the late congressman,” said Vice Gov. Leonides Fausto.

Vargas, 79, whose second congressional district covers the towns of Abulug, Ballesteros, Calayan, Claveria, Lasam, Piat, Rizal, Sanchez Mira, Santa Praxedes and Santo Niño, was laid to his final resting place at the Abulug municipal cemetery at 12 noon Saturday.

One of the few remaining active politicians from the 1960s, Vargas succumbed to complications from leukaemia while being confined at the Saint Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City on July 22.

After necrological rites and an overnight wake at the House of Representatives, Vargas’ remains were flown to his home province on July 29. He was brought to his hometown the following day after an overnight stay at the provincial capitol’s Kamaranan Hall.

“(Vargas’ passing) is a big loss to us. It’s so sorry that he did not even see the opening of (the 15th) Congress that he served so well. He is a hard-working legislator and public servant,” said Isabela First district Rep. Rodolfo Albano Jr.

Vargas, Albano and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, also a Cagayan native, are the only remaining active politicians from the 1960s in the region.

Vargas, Tata Inciong to his constituents, started his political career as mayor of Abulug, Cagayan’s once laid-back town. He also served as governor for several terms. He won his latest third and final term as House member in the last elections. CCL

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