Thousands of Dumaraonons attend ex-mayor's burial
DUMARAO, Capiz -- Ex-Mayor Heracleo "Bebot" Benjamen was laid to rest Saturday as the entire province mourned his demise.
Thousands of Dumaraonons attended the burial of Benjamen as they remembered the legacy projects of the mayor such as municipal hall building and many others
Resolutions expressing condolences and sympathy were given by Provincial Board, Philippine Councilor's League-Capiz Chapter, League of the Municipalities of the Philippines-Capiz chapter; Provincial Liga; Liga ng mga Barangay of Dumarao; Dumarao Sanggunian Bayan; and Municipality of Cuartero.
The said resolutions were given to Mrs. Nieva Alianza Benjamen during the mass and The Heracleo Montemayor Benjamen Legacy at Our Lady of Snows Parish Church.
Roxas City Mayor Vicente Bermejo said that he remembered "Bebot" when they were students at the St. Pius X Seminary.
Bermejo said Benjamen was his contemporary when he was mayor of Panay and he said that Benjamen is a good man and a responsible public official.
Capiz 2nd District Congressman Fredenil Castro also said that Benjamen was his good friend.
According to him, Bebot gone away but his warmed legacy projects, good friendship with him and the people of Dumarao still remain in his heart and mind.
Meanwhile, Mayor Leslie Warren "Beboy" Benjamen thanked the people as well as public officials who sympathized with during while his father was being laid.
Benjamen died of a lingering illness last October 24, 2008 at Iloilo Doctor's Hospital. He was 60 years old.
The younger Benjamen told The News Today (TNT) that his father Bebot had been confined at the hospital since September 9, 2008. He said that his father died of pneumonia and sepsis.
It was learned that on September 6, the older Benjamen celebrated his 60th birthday with a triple celebration since the younger Benjamen also celebrated his 34th birthday and the christening of his nephew.
Bebot is survived by his wife Nieva Alianza Benjamen and children namely: Mary Lovelle, Mayor Leslie Warren and Ann Cristine Benjamen-Borbon.
Also in attendance during the interment were: Mrs. Jane Castro, wife of Cong. Castro; Mrs. Mariter Bermejo; Vice Governor and Mrs. Felipe Barredo, Board Member Baden Cantiller, Gilbert Ardivilla, and Mayor Roger Flores of Cuartero, among others.