Alfredo Ouano
The patriarch of the Ouano political family in Mandaue City passed away yesterday.
Former Mandaue City Mayor Alfredo “Pedong” Ouano died at 10:10 am at the Perpetual Succour Hospital in Cebu City.
He was 90 years old.
His condition of 4th stage prostate cancer had already affected his bones, according to his son Provincial Board Member Thadeo Ouano.
Alfredo, known for his folksy, down-to-earth leadership and propensity to crack a joke, wielded deep political influence in Mandaue in a career that started with his election as municipal councilor of Mandaue (when it was still a municipality) in 1956.
He became vice mayor and city mayor in 1988. He served for three terms until 1997 when he was succeeded by Thadeo.
The funeral wake in the Ouano residence in barangay Opao is expected to draw thousands of mourners.
Even after his death, the clan’s influence in Mandaue continues through his offspring.
According to Thadeo, the patriach already gave his blessings for granddaughter Emmarie “Lollipop” Ouano-Dizon to run for mayor in the next 2016 election.
Ouano-Dizon is the first councilor of Mandaue City and Thadeo’s daughter.
Last Thursday, she launched a scholarship program for 300 students using P1.5 million in personal funds to continue Pedong’s original program.
Pedong died a few hours after his third son Mike arrived at dawn from Ohio, USA.
The patriarch celebrated his 90th birthday on Oct. 12 or two days earlier than the actual date.
He was confined in the hospital in the first week of October but insisted on being discharged for that day to celebrate at home with family and close friends.
“Ang iyang giingon nga gusto niya iyang birthday makit-an niya ang mga suod nga higala. Kahibawo na siya sa iyang sitwasyon pero mangomedya gihapon”, Thadeo said.
(He said he wanted to be home to see the people close to him. He knew the situation was serious but was still joking around and kept his sense of humor.)
Thadeo said his father left a legacy of helping other people especially the poor.
“Permi lang gyud ko kadungog ato niya nga ihatag na sa pobre (I would always hear him say: give that to the poor.),”he said.
Alfredo is survived by his wife Loleng Zambo Ouano, 11 children, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.