Former Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn (INQUIRER.net file photo)
MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has expressed condolences to the bereaved family of late Palawan 3rd District Representative Edward Hagedorn.
In a statement on Tuesday, Romualdez said Hagedorn will not only be remembered for the different positions he held in Philippine politics, but also for his achievements in the protection of environment and promotion of tourism
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our cherished colleague, Representative Edward Solon Hagedorn,” said the Speaker.
“More than his roles in the political arena, Cong. Ed was a guiding light and inspiration to many of us personally. His passion for the environment, tourism, agriculture, and peace was not just a professional pursuit, but a reflection of his soul,” he noted.
“Every moment with Cong. Ed was filled with laughter, wisdom, and profound insights. His genuine warmth and ability to touch lives went beyond titles and protocols,” he recalled.
“To me and many of us at the House of Representatives, he wasn’t just a colleague. He was family,” he added.
A statement on Hagedorn’s official Facebook page confirmed his death.
He was a member of the 19th Congress.
His staffers said the lawmaker passed away at 4:09 a.m. on Tuesday.
Prior to his term as a lawmaker, Hagedorn was a long-time and much-distinguished mayor of Puerto Princesa city.
He oversaw the city’s transformation into an ecotourism hub, which earned him the respect of his fellow Filipinos and the recognition of the international community.
Aside from Romualdez, other lawmakers also poured in tributes for the late lawmaker, like Cibac party-list Rep. Eduardo Villanueva, who called Hagedorn an “outstanding public servant”.
“Mayor/Congressman Ed is a treasured gem in the annals of Philippine governance and politics. I am a personal witness not only to his outstanding and visionary leadership, which catapulted the Underground River in Palawan to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New Wonder of the World, but more to his exemplary self-less public service dedicated to helping the poor and the needy, especially the Palaweños,” Villanueva said.
“But more to his accolades as a public servant, Congressman Ed, like me, was a former hopeless man who became recipient of God’s amazing love and a transformed life. His changed life has led many to come and receive God’s message of hope and love,” he added.
House committee on ecology chairperson and Biñan City Rep. Marlyn Alonte also sent her condolences to Hagedorn’s relatives, calling the late lawmaker a guardian of Palawan.
“Hagedorn was the guardian of Palawan. He defended Palawan as any father would defend his family and home, especially against people and companies who tried or intended to desecrate Palawan’s natural beauty and wealth,” Alonte said.
“I call him Tito. I really look up to him. Every time we conducted benchmarking when I was Mayor of Biñan City, we always went to Palawan because Puerto Princesa City is a fine example of good governance. I also would like to thank him for his support and guidance to the Committee on Ecology when we were tackling the recent oil spill issue,” she added.