By Diana Tomale
Davao Today Intern
DAVAO CITY – Davao City councilors paid tribute on Friday to former Councilor Jose Louie Villafuerte, who passed away last January 3.
Former Councilor Conrado Baluran said that he will be going to miss a friend who always smile and remains calm in times of trials.
“Indeed, we lost a Godly person, a giver, a singer, a perfect husband, a perfect dad and a perfect friend,” he said.
Former Councilor Susan Isabel Reta describes Villafuerte as the “best seat mate” she had.
“Louie, thank you so much for being my best seat mate and colleague and best friend. I know, lakas kaayo ka diha sa langit since you are now enjoying your idol, no other than si San Pedro, the patron saint of sabungero. So please once again, kay lakas man ka, please reserve a seat for me when my time comes para we become seatmates once more (I know, you are highly favored up there since you are now enjoying the company of your idol, San Pedro, the patron of cockfighters…),” Reta said.
Councilor Rachel Zozobrado-Nagayo describes Villafuerte as a “quiet, gentleman, kind and a sincere” person. She also said that the late councilor was one of those who welcomed her when she had to replace her late father, Atty. Jesus A. Zozobrado.
“Sir Louie was one of those who genuinely welcomed me to the group. He was not showy. He was not overly-friendly as perhaps most of you could imagine. Sir Louie was just being Sir Louie,” she said.
Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte, the wife of the late councilor expressed her gratitude to everyone who has loved her husband.
“To the colleagues of my husband, Councilor Louie, the members of the 14th, 15th and 16th City Council, my colleagues in the 17th City Council, the department heads present, our co-workers in government, to those of you who are present today, who loved Councilor Louie and those whom Councilor Louie served all these years, in behalf of the Villafuerte and Dilig family, thank you very much for being beside us during this very trying and sad event in our life,” she said.
Villafuerte suffered a stroke last December 24 at their family-owned cockpit in Calinan. His family celebrated his 55th birthday last December 29 at the hospital. He died days later.
A necrological service was held Friday at the Sangguniang Panglungsod Session Hall to pay tribute to the late councilor.
On January 12, a mass will be conducted at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 9 in the morning. The interment of Villafuerte will be at Mt. Apo Gardens Memorial Park. (davaotoday.com)
