Bukidnon remembers ex-guv Fortich

MALAYBALAY CITY – Former Bukidnon Gov. Carlos O. Fortich has passed away on February 24 at around 8:30 pm. He was 83.

Fortich's daughter Carla confirmed the former governor's death on Tuesday.

Carla said the remains of the former governor will arrive at the Capitol on March 4 and will remain at the Capitol overnight for public viewing.

Carla said her father died at the Capitol University Medical Center (CUMC) in Cagayan de Oro City due to old age. She said her father’s remains lie at Divine Shepherds Memorial Chapel in Cagayan de Oro City as of press time.

“The burial is tentatively scheduled in the morning on March 6 at Shepherds Meadow Memorial Park in Sumpong, Malaybalay City,” Carla said.

She said the governor's remains are expected to arrive at the family's residence in Malaybalay on Friday.

“We want to bring him at the provincial Capitol before the flag ceremony because he has never been late in the flag ceremony when he was Governor,” Carla said.

Fortich first became the governor of Bukidnon in 1968. He was reelected to the post a record six times.

During his term, he was awarded the “1968 Order of the Fighting Cock” as one of the Top Ten Outstanding Governors for Community Development.

He was also a recipient of the Presidential Award of the “1970 Golden Bahay Kubo” for Most Outstanding Governor of the Philippines.

In 1997, his programs also earned the province the prestigious title as the “Most Outstanding Province of the Philippines."

The former governor also took pride that no less than President Ramos himself presented him the much coveted "Gawad Ng Lahi Pamana Award". (PNA)