DATELINE BUTUAN
Caraga leaders mourn death of former Butuan City Mayor
November 1, 2010
BUTUAN CITY - Incumbent and past top local officials and politicians in Caraga Region mourned death of former Butuan City Mayor Democrito Plaza, II who once served as Chairman of the Caraga Regional Development Council
Plaza who served Butuan City as Mayor for 15 years passed away past 6 p.m. Friday at the intensive care unit of St. Luke Medical Center in Taguig, Metro Manila, close relatives of the Plazas here said
Relatives here said the former Butuan Mayor died after undergoing a successful kidney transplant last October 26 in same hospital and on his way to recovery.
Medical doctors of St. Luke’s neither his close family have not issued official medical statement yet as what caused Plaza’s death.
In text messages to this writer, incumbent and former Caraga leaders who worked with Plaza before at the Regional Development Council have this to say;
Plaza’s brother, former Agusan del Sur Congressman Rodolfo “Ompong” Plaza said he, together with his wife, Shirley Pelaez Plaza were saddened over the demise of his brother.
“It saddens me because my brother was on his way to recovery after a kidney transplant, I sincerely request to all relatives, friends and supporters and those who disagree to pray for his soul’s eternal repose”, the former Agusan del Sur solon who ran for Senator in May 2010 national elections said.
Plaza got the no. 1 top spot in the 57-man May 2010 Senatorial contest in Butuan City, Agusan del Sur while number four in Agusan del Norte, number 7 in Surigao del Norte provinces.
Plaza’s close political ally, 1st Agusan del Norte Rep. Jose “Joboy” Aquino, II said, “I deeply mourn the death of Mayor Plaza, My heart aches on the loss of a worthy leader, a pillar, a mentor and a valued friend and most especially my Ninong at this crucial moment”.
“I, my wife and family and relatives sincerely extend our condolences to the surviving family of the late Mayor and my deep gratitude to the Mayor for helping of what I am now. His death comes at the most unexpected time, our prayers for the repose of his soul”, Aquino said.
Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Folcadilla Matugas and her husband, Siargao Island Rep. Francisco Tinio Matugas who is also former Surigao del Norte Governor said, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family of my Kumpadre Mayor Boy Daku Plaza. He was one of the pioneer leaders in the creation of Caraga region. He is great loss not only to his city, the region but to whole country as well”.
Second District Surigao del Norte Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Jr. and wife, Provincial Board Member Myrna Romarate with daughter, Tubod , Surigao del Norte Mayor Ched Romarate also extend their deepest condolences to the sudden demise of lthe former Butuan Mayor.
“Former Mayor Plaza is my kumpare and I was saddened on the news that he already passed, Me and my family extend my heartfelt condolences to my Kumare, the surviving spouse former Butuan Mayor Daisy Borja Plaza. may soul of Pare Boy rest peace with our maker now”, Congressman Romarate said.
Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny Pimentel who once work with former late Mayor Plaza at the Regional Development Council said, “In behalf of the Pimentel family of Surigao del Sur, I would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the Plaza family”.
Former Congressman and Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Ace Barbers and his brother, former Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers said, “Mayor Boy is a great loss to the region and much more to the people of Butuan City. His no non-sense leadership style and advocacy of graft free governance is truly a great inspiration for future leaders of Caraga region”.
Former Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra for his part said he was really saddened of the news that his friend former Butuan City Mayor passed away saying, " I and my family extend our deepest condolences to the Plaza family".
Former Butuan City Congresswoman Charito “Ching” Booc Plaza who is principal author in the law creating Caraga Region said, “It heartened and saddened me of the demise of Mayor Boy Daku Plaza. He left his legacy of various landmarks infrastructure such as the new Butuan City Hall, Macapagal Bridge, improvement of the Old Butuan Bridge and concreting and pavement of Butuan roads”.
As of press time, Plaza's remains lies in state at Arlington Funeral Homes in Magallanes, Makati City. It was not known yet of where and when burial rites will be. (-30-)
In : Ben Serrano