MAN OF SERVICE. Undated photo shows Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (left) chatting with his father, special envoy to Malaysia Wencelito Andanar who died of liver cancer on Thursday morning (April 22, 2021). The younger Andanar described his father as a “man of service” and “the greatest man and mentor” he has ever known. (Contributed photo)
MANILA – Former Interior undersecretary and special envoy to Malaysia Wencelito Andanar died on Thursday morning due to liver cancer. He was 73.
Andanar’s son, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, confirmed his father’s passing in a press statement.
“It is with deep sorrow that we bid farewell to my father, Atty. Wencelito Andanar, who succumbed to liver cancer this morning, 7:50 am, at the Veteran’s Memorial Medical Center,” he said.
The younger Andanar described his father as “the greatest man and mentor” he has ever known.
“He was my idol and I looked up to him, so much, that he inspired me to join public service,” he said.
He said his father was also a “man of service”, having dedicated his professional years as a public servant within different government agencies.
Over the course of his career, Wencelito was also the officer-in-charge governor of Surigao del Norte from 1986 to 1988.
Consequently, he served as the Chairman of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) from 1982 to 1992.
During the administration of President Corazon Aquino, he was appointed as Presidential Assistant from 1989 to 1992.
He also served as undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government from 2001 to 2007.
In 2018, he was appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte as the Special Envoy to Malaysia.
“And through his leadership took initiative to bridge the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao to the global market. Despite the pandemic, he was able to continue to work with the Malaysian government and assist in the repatriation efforts for overseas Filipinos,” he said.
For the younger Andanar, his father will be “a lifelong example of leadership and selflessness.”
“I know I speak for many when I say that we have lost not just a remarkable civil servant but a pillar in our lives. He may no longer be with us, but his deeds and his legacy will continue to live on in our hearts,” he said. “When I meet you in the sun, I shall tell you much.”
Malacañang offered condolences and prayers to Andanar’s family, friends, and colleagues.
“Nakikiramay po kami sa pamilya, katrabaho, kasamahan sa pagkamatay ni former DILG Undersecretary and Special Envoy of the President to Malaysia, Atty. Wencelito ‘Wency’ Andanar, ama po ni PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar (We express condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues on the death of former DILG Undersecretary and Special envoy of the President to Malaysia, Atty. Wencelito ‘Wency’ Andanar, father of PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar). May God warmly embrace Mr. Wency Andanar as He welcomes him to his eternal kingdom in heaven. Rest in peace, our thoughts and prayers to the family,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a Palace press briefing. (PNA)
