Tingting laid to rest
Former Cebu governor Vicente “Tingting” dela Serna was buried at the Cebu Memorial Park (Cempark) after a holy mass yesterday morning, a ceremony attended by people from all walks of life.
Among those in attendance were Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama, Bayan Leader Paul Rodriguez, Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, former Cebu City councilor Jun Pe; lawyers Frank Malilong, Edmund Lao, Guiler Ceniza, Danilo Yap and Rex Fernandez.
Also in attendance were Dr. Wybin Briones, media personality Malou Guanzon Apalisok and dela Serna’s nephew Javee.
Magpale is dela Serna’s relative on the Dimataga-Dela Serna clan.
Main celebrant Fr. Jun Paradiang said they pray that God will give Dela Serna eternal rest and comfort for the family. He said he believed that dela Serna’s suffering as cancer patient was a form of cleansing on earth so he can enter heaven.
Rama said dela Serna was his schoolmate at Velez College. When he was Cebu City councilor, dela Serna supported the cause of the drivers against an ordinance filed by the late coun- cilor Jingjing Osmeña.
“He was a character. His brand of politics is not traditional but a kind of take it or leave it,” Apalisok said.
Apalisok said that dela Serna became Mandaue City mayor, Cebu governor, Cebu 6th district representative and Malacañand deputy executive secretary.
“That gave him a perspective in his brand of service. God speed Ting, and finally you can rest in peace,” Apalisok said.
Bayan leader Paul Rodriguez said dela Serna showed service to the poor. He defended militant groups in Congress and in Cebu Capitol.
“He is a patriot. He loves his country, something that nobody can question,” Malilong said.
Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera said Tingting was the “father” of Cebu Provincial Ordinance 93-1, and that he was the man who wanted to give lands to the landless.
Lilian Godinez Ocasiones said dela Serna helped them look for his missing brother who disappeared during Martial Law. /