DAVAO CITY – Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon passed away 3:50 p.m. on Wednesday. She was 73.
The death of the governor, who is also the chairperson of the Regional Development Council, was announced by Vice-Governor Niño Uy on the same day.
Uy did not disclose the cause of death, but instead asked the people of the province to pray for the late governor as well as for the family to overcome her untimely demise.
“She always has a special place in our hearts. Her demise leaves so much pain to the people of Davao Oriental,” Uy said.
He described Malanyaon as a "hardworking and exceptional leader who dedicated her life to serving the people and the province. "
“All her accomplishments and utmost service in the province have shown how great she is as a leader. She is not tired of making the province a good place for all of us,” Uy added.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Maria Belen Acosta, meanwhile, noted that Malanyaon was one of the active members of the MinDA board of directors.
“Gov. Cora, as we know her, was a force to be reckoned with. She was a charismatic political leader, a development worker in her own right, and a passionate and hardworking public servant,” Acosta said in a statement Thursday.
Malanyaon was also an active member of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, as well as other civic organizations, she added.
Similarly, Presidential Assistant (PA) for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Magno expressed his sadness over the passing of the lady governor.
“Today, Davao Oriental lost a great public servant who dedicated her life to serving the people. I am deeply saddened by the news of her death,” he said.
Lawyer Elisa Evangelista- Lapiña, a director for the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), also extended condolences to the family of Malanyaon and the people of Davao Oriental.
“Her remarkable leadership and dedication have played a pivotal role in achieving the province's insurgency-free status,” she added.
Malanyaon started in politics as a Davao City Council member (1986-1987; 1988-1992). She later became the first district representative of Davao Oriental for two terms (2001-2007; 2016-2022) and as a four-term governor (2007-2010; 2010-2013; 2013-2016; 2022-present).
Exemplary leadership
Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Lone District Rep. Camille Villar mourned the passing of Malanyaon whom she described as “a very dear friend and former colleague.”
Villar, spokesperson of the Nacionalista Party, said Malanyaon was not only a dedicated party-mate but also a public servant known for her integrity, exemplary leadership and compassion.
“As we grieve during this difficult time of mourning, let us also look back into her legacy as an outstanding student, lawyer-accountant, university lecturer and public servant who touched so many lives throughout her sterling careers,” she said.
In so many ways, Villar said Malanyaon lived a life that is exceptional to the public eye—from grassroots organizing to rendering “service with a heart.”
She said the Davao Oriental governor’s concern for the poor and underprivileged drove her in pushing for impactful non-violent and non-confrontational peace and development programs that benefited and made life better for her constituents. (with reports from Zaldy De Layola/PNA)
