MANILA, Philippines — Three senators have expressed their grief over the death of ex-Marikina City mayor and former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Bayani Fernando on Friday.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Fernando was a visionary who dreamt of big ideas and then boldly implemented them.
“He embodied the never-say-die, can-do spirit of the Filipino, and had the bragging rights to show for it, as Marikina the city he loved with all his heart is a living testament to his hard labor and high dreams,” said Zubiri.
“I will always remember him as a hardworking man of the people, who’s left a huge imprint on the country, especially on his beloved Marikina and on the whole of Metro Manila,” he added.
Senator Francis Tolentino, on the other hand, echoed Zubiri’s call, saying that Fernando’s contributions to society have helped many Filipinos.
“We mourn the passing of a great leader whose innovation and creativity as the MMDA chairman helped Metro Manila residents hurdle difficult urban challenges,” said Tolentino.
Meanwhile, Senator Lito Lapid likewise praised Fernando’s long period of government service. He added that Fernando’s contributions are “engraved in the political history” of the country.
Fernando died on Friday, September 22. He was 77.
je / gsg
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