Hundreds turn up for Navarro’s burial
HUNDREDS of supporters, friends and family attended the funeral of Punta Princesa Barangay Captain Jose Navarro yesterday.
Navarro’s son, Punta Princesa Councilman Joselito, said that the estimated 2,000 crowd who sympathized with them helped lessen their sorrow.
Jose, who was considered the longest serving barangay official in Cebu City, died of cancer of the liver last Aug. 22. He was diagnosed only last May.
He was buried yesterday at Cebu Evergreen Memorial Garden in Talisay City near the South Road Properties.
Fr. Randolph Figuracion, parish priest of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, led the concelebrated mass before the barangay leader was brought to his final rest.
Jose was considered the longest serving barangay official in Cebu City having served the community for 54 straight years from 1962 until his death.
Barangay Secretary Ambrosia Yanong said that the late Navarro was elected barangay councilor from 1962 to 1971; barangay captain from 1972 to 2007; barangay councilor from 2007 to 2010; and barangay captain again from 2010 until he succumbed to cancer.
He was elected president of the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) from 1998 to 2011, making him an ex-officio Cebu City councilor.
Joselito said the family’s sorrow slowly subsided because of the presence and messages of the people who consoled them.
From prominent people like Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel to an ordinary vendor, they sent flowers or mass card for Jose.
Punta Princesa Barangay Councilors Grace Caroline Baquero, Restituto Atillo, Alvin Paez, Tito Abella, Oliver Chua and Fritz Sullano, and former barangay captain Rolly Diorico were among those who attended the burial ceremony yesterday.
“In behalf of my Mommy Clemen, my sisters Janet and Jecel and my brother Jingjing, with our families, thank you for being with us at these darkest time of our lives,” said Joselito.
Joselito said that his father worked as jeepney conductor and food vendor while studying.
He said his father graduated valedictorian at Punta Princesa Elementary School, and finished Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Commerce with the honor of cum laude.
As an accountant, he worked as a bank manager but he resigned when he became a barangay captain.