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Andanar mourns death of ex-Las Piñas mayor Nene Aguilar

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

August 20, 2021, 7:30 pm

<p>Former Las Piñas Mayor Vergel 'Nene' Aguilar <em>(Photo courtesy of Las Piñas LGU Facebook)</em></p>

Former Las Piñas Mayor Vergel 'Nene' Aguilar (Photo courtesy of Las Piñas LGU Facebook)

MANILA – Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Friday paid tribute to former Las Piñas City mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar who died due to a heart ailment.

In a press statement, Andanar said it pains him to lose Aguilar who had been a father figure to him.

“It’s with great sorrow, sadness, and pain that I grieve the loss of a father figure like former Las Piñas Mayor Vergel “Nene” Aguilar who passed away today, August 20, 2021, due to a heart ailment,” said Andanar.

Aguilar’s passing was announced by his wife, incumbent Mayor Imelda Aguilar, through a statement posted on the official Facebook page of City of Las Piñas.

Aguilar, 74, passed away on Friday morning at St. Luke’s Medical Center at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Andanar remembered Aguilar, whom he fondly called “Papa Nene,” for the latter’s "unselfish public service, commitment, and dedication to lead and generate great changes” in Las Piñas City.

He also hailed Aguilar for giving “unparalleled” progress to Las Piñas City and its people.

“You have touched the lives of so many people, but your silent demeanor was a gushing river of wisdom and affection that brought happiness and, most of all, love to our small family,” Andanar said. “Papa Nene, you may have left us in this world and have joined our Creator, but the memories and teachings you have shared with us all will be remembered perpetually.”

He left behind four daughters -- Las Piñas Vice Mayor April Aguilar-Nery, Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo, Alelee Aguilar-Andanar, and Anne Aguilar.

He was also Senator Cynthia Villar's brother.

He was a property developer before entering public service in 1992. He then served as mayor of Las Piñas City for six terms, first from 1995 to 2004, and from 2007 to 2016.

His father Dr. Filemon Aguilar, was also a former Las Piñas mayor.

During his term, Las Piñas was recognized as one of the best-managed cities in the country, according to the city's official website.

National and international awards, including the United Nations Award for Environmental Protection, were handed out to the city under his term.

Andanar said thanking Aguilar is not enough for what the latter has done for him and his family.

“I thank God with great humility and gratitude that He has given us someone like you and now beseech His mercy to give you eternal life,” he said. “Rest now, Papa Mayor Nene. It’s more than enough that your blood runs in the veins of my children. Your leaves may have withered but the roots you have left run deep for future generations to see.” (With a report from Lade Jean Kabagani/PNA)

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