Dela Serna laid to rest 32 hours after death

To grant the wish of former Cebu governor Vicente “Ting-ting” dela Serna, his remains was laid to rest at Cebu Memorial Park Cemetery in Banilad, Mandaue City about 32 hours since his death.

He died at age 66 few minutes past the midnight of Saturday due to lung cancer which was diagnosed in 2017. It was only twelve days before his birthday on the 13th.

The funeral ceremony started with an early requiem mass at 7 a.m. attended by his family and some of Cebu’s political figures.

In earlier reports, his bereaved family said that it was their father’s wish to be buried immediately.

Dela Serna is survived by his three daughters namely Marrie, Carrie, Frances and his son Manu.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and former city mayor Mike Rama attended the funeral.

In a statement, Magpale said that she considered Dela Serna as a mentor in public service. She served as a provincial board member when dela Serna was the governor.

Meanwhile, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III extended his condolences saying the late governor was a friend and a good leader.

“He will be remembered as an honest and compassionate leader whose genuine concern for the people, especially the poor, we should all emulate,” he said.

Years ago, Dela Serna served as the governor of Cebu from 1992 to 1995. Because of this, the flag at the Capitol compound was put in half-mast.

It was during the time of Dela Serna when the 93-1 Ordinance was passed by the Provincial Board (PB) sponsored by Board Member Benhur Salimbangon.

The ordinance determined the lots owned by the provincial government in Cebu City which were squatted.

Since then, the Capitol entered into diplomatic talks with the Cebu City Government for a land swap agreement. The Capitol would donate the lots under 93-1 in exchange for lots which will be donated by the City Government.

The City will sell the lots to the homeowners. Around five thousand individuals benefit from this endeavor.

The agreement was only realized and signed last month, 25 years after it was first proposed.

Mitzi A. Ambrad/MBG