THE HARVEST BY LEODEGARIO RAVELO ARREZA

Originally published in the book The Rorschach Seventh in March 2013, this is an extended version.

Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. Proverbs 17:6

About the Author

I am the fourth child of Leodegario Arreza and Condordia Arreo. I migrated to Australia in 1991 from the Philippines and worked in the NSW Public Service for over twenty years.

I was educated at Cantilan Primary School, St Michaels College in Cantilan and graduated at University of San Jose Recoletos, Cebu, Philippines with the Degree of Bachelor in Science in Commerce in 1985. In 1985, I passed the CPA Board examination. I previously worked at PICOP, Mangagoy Philippines where I met my husband Reynalito ‘Nally’ Santos. We got married in 1990, joined him in Australia in 1991 and have one child Lynneal Jia born in Penrith NSW.

Preface:

This book is a brief account of the lives of Leodegario and Concordia Arreza who during their fifty five years have achieved more than they have imagined.

As children of poor struggling families, they felt restricted to what they thought they could achieve. Theirs was a story of hardships, sacrifices, heartaches and glory. I felt determined to write this book to inspire us of Leody and Cording’s achievements in their personal and public lives. While other people are contented to live their own lives, they were always busy helping out the community in many different ways. It takes commitment and energy to carry out these duties and yet they did not stop sharing, caring and educating the community.

Cantilan

The three-hour drive from Butuan to Cantilan, Philippines is a mixture of green scenery, sloping terrains marred by the red dust from a local mine, loose gravel, unsealed roads, concrete dip holes and the searing heat of the southern sun. Occasionally, the highway is back dropped by the sun drenched ocean view, coconut trees with a torn nipa hut, small boat with fishing nets on the side, vast area of rice fields and locals young and old loitering at the local “sari-sari” general store for an all day catch up.

According to the locals, Surigao del Sur is booming referring to the mining industry and the amazing mineral deposits that have been found. Neighbouring towns have flourished but opposing towns lay dormant as they continue to oppose to the environmental suction of the jewels of Surigao del Sur. The rich and the poor are divided on this stand.

Behind this mountain are cradles of towns, including Cantilan which is packed with history dating back in the early 1700-1800s during the Spanish occupation.

In the 1970’s, Cantilan was a quaint little country town surrounded by gray and white sand beaches where everybody knows everybody, everybody is related, doors unlocked packed with civic minded citizens. The Spanish occupation had a great influence on Cantilangnons evidenced by their dialect, surnames and physical appearance of some locals. They no longer have the kinky hair, dark skinned tones and other distinct features of the native Mamanuas or Manobos of Surigao del Sur. Like the Spanish people, Cantilangnons loved their siesta time. Courtship involved serenades however Cantilangnons found it challenging when prospective partners are presented to the elders. It turned out that most residents are distant relatives and marriage is not an alternative. The air was fresh and refreshing, the rivers are clean, the beaches were spotless until the mining boom hits.

This town has become a bustling little city. Before mining, locals relied on fishing, farming and teaching as their livelihood. This is now a far outcry from the old Cantilan. The rivers were packed with nipa huts stretched as far as you can see. These days, every child has to have education, move into the city for opportunities abroad. Someone has to become a nurse. The town’s income has a share of the dollar earnings that overseas workers send to their families. Unlike before where farming and fishing were the main livelihood akin to that of Leodegario & Concordia’s.

Leodegario “Leody” Arreza was born on October 2, 1929 in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. He was the sixth child of Irenea Bautista Ravelo and Francisco Arizobal Arreza. His brothers and sisters and their spouses are Alfonso, Afra (Macario Orozco) , Marciano(Victoriana Asis), Herculana (Julian Dalugdugan), Anacleto (Lucena Basadre), Desideria (Faustino Guir) and Wenceslao (Julia Tupaz).

Just like the other farmers in Cantilan, they were raised along with rice, corn, chickens, goats, carabaos, cats and horses. The boys in the family worked in the farm mostly to herd their carabaos and horses.

Occasionally they skipped classes to help their parents plow and harrow the rice field. Only a few of the Arreza brothers were interested in studying. Leody was one of them.

As a working student, he worked in one of his uncle’s rice mill while studying. To fund his studies, he did some stevedoring federation work which involved lifting sacks of rice to and from the drying site to prepare for milling.

In 1952 he finished with an Associate in Agriculture in Los Banos Laguna.

He studied again at Nemco, Surigao City. In 1964 he graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Education.

After graduation, while applying for a Public School Teacher, Leody worked as a “Camanero” (Utility man clearing vegetation along the highway) from Lanuza to Tandag. It was a tough job under the harsh tropical sun of southern Philippines.

His first teaching assignment was in Lingig High School for one year. He was later transferred to Coleto, Bislig as an Elementary School Teacher.

Leody’s leadership skills were later recognised. While he was assigned in Pamaypayan Bislig Elementary school, be became a Head Teacher which lasted for five years. Pamaypayan was far flung barrio remote school that that it took one day by boat just to attend a meeting.

Leody was later transferred to a much bigger school in San Antonio where he constructed a school building with the help of the Parent Teacher’s Association’s (PTA) fund.

His teaching profession would take him to Cantilan Pilot School before he shifted his career as an Agricultural Production Technician.

The Farm Technician turned politician

After leaving Cantilan Pilot School, he worked as an Agriculture Production Technician. His natural abilities as a farmer and a good sense of humor made the shift easier.

He provided technical support and advice in farm cropping programs with ease. During this period, he endured a motor cycle accident which led to a major operation installing a brace to support his leg.

It was the following ten years that he formed friendships with the farmers throughout Cantilan and its neighboring towns. This friendship motivated him to begin his long political career in Cantilan.

Politics, Pain and Glory

In 1989, Leody was elected Vice Mayor of Cantilan alongside Levi Azarcon as Mayor. Sooner the Arreza’s residence became busier. There were locals seeking assistance to feed their family, assist in hospitalisation of their loved ones or asking few pesos to quench their thirst for alcohol and many more. He was always obliging to everyone’s request at the expense of his salary. Cording wrote once “Tatay is very busy with his work as vice mayor at the same time busy with the wedding festivals in May and June as a practice to get public officials as Ninong and Ninang (sponsors). It is almost everyday and it is a drain of pocket for the “ayap” as a traditional practice. So practically, the compensation Tatay receives is barely enough for the donations, weddings, inductions and candidates for the town fiesta celebration. He could not even buy a T shirt or a polo shirt ”. (Ayap – is a traditional pinning of peso bills onto the bride’s wedding gown and groom’s suit during their wedding dance).

In May 1992, he ran as mayor (Nationalista Party) against the incumbent and lost. It was a devastating loss. It was a major setback which brought him to seclusion for a number of years.

He regained the vice mayor position in 1995. Cording in her excitement wrote dated May 20, 1995 “Praise God, Tatay got it with an overwhelming lead of more than 1000 votes”.

In 1998, Leody ran again as mayor. With continued support from his family, friends and political networks, he was successful in gaining the sought after position in Cantilan. It was bitter sweet victory for Leody. He would later prove his supporters he was sincere in his undertaking of this role. He was one of the town’s mayor that had no bodyguards by their side.

Leody’s election as a Mayor has given him opportunities to travel and expand his political networks outside Cantilan. He has eyed the position of a Board Member. With the full support of his brother Wenceslao Arreza, who was already a Board Member, he attempted to run as a Board Member in the 2001 election. This meant Wenceslao had to step down for his brother and reclaim his old electoral position as the Mayor of Carmen.

Leody joined Congressman Prospero “Butch” Arreza Pichay’s party. It was tight and a long campaign but Leody was as determined as ever. At age 69 he was an elected SP Member. During his term, he was Chairman of Social Services, Community Development, Indigenous People, Disabled & Senior Citizen and was also the Vice Chairman of Good Government, Public Ethics & Accountability and Agricultural and Fisheries.

At age 72, he ran again and was re-elected for the second term as SP Member, Surigao del Sur. His second assignment involved as Chairman of Committee of Labour & Employment, Committee on Indigenous People, Disabled & Senior Citizen. He was also Vice Chairman of Committee of Social Service, Community Development , Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries. Towards the end of his second term, Leody decided not to run for the third term. He soon retired and spent more time with his wife and grandchildren.

He later changed his mind and ran for a third term in May 2010. At 79 he was elected as SP Member (LKS-KAM) and became one of the oldest SP Members in Surigao del Sur. This term he was Chairman – Committee on Good Government, Public Ethics and Accountability (Blue Ribbon Committee), Committee on Indigenous People, Disabled People and Senior Citizens. He was also Vice Chairman on Committee on Rules, Privileges and Ethics. During his term, he passed resolutions requesting the Provincial Governor for immediate repair of bridges in different barangays of Surigao del Sur especially in Carrascal, Madrid, Lanuza and Cantilan. He allocated funding to support projects and programs of MACRIC including the extension of the old building at Pag-antayan, Cantilan Surigao del Sur.

As the Philippines is gearing for May 2013 elections, Leody happily announced that he will retire from politics making way for the new generation.

The Family Man

Leody became a father to seven children namely Leo, Gil, Joel, Lea, Vicky, Noe and Leda. Their children have all attended universities and since married and have their own families.

He was a devoted family man. As a farmer he instilled in his children’s minds the value of hard work, humility and discipline.

On weekends during planting season, the family walked their way to the farm to plant rice, pull weeds, harvest rice or lift rice seedlings to the rice fields. In contrast with other children who played around all weekend. Everyone that lived in the Arreza household including their cousins were involved. They endured the searing heat throughout the day covered in thick murky soil packed with leeches that loved to suck blood from its hosts. The children’s hard work and labour were rewarded by treats of refreshing Coca Cola or Pepsi Cola drinks and ice cream or perhaps a small allowance at the end of the day.

Around harvest time, the farm was filled with excitement. The family often camped at the farm around this season. At night, the family gathered around the pile of hay and watched with enthusiasm how the carabao circled around the hay to slowly remove each grain from the hay. Without the carabao, the children would make a small pile each and rub the hay against their bare feet. The rice grains were then separated from the hay manually. With enthusiasm, a small fire was prepared to roast small batches of rice grains to flatten and remove the chaff to make a ‘pilipig’. The rhythm of three ‘bajo’ pestles pounding in harmony the roasted rice on a ‘lusong’ big mortar and the aroma of a toasted fresh harvested rice symbolized that harvest time is around the air. Farmers celebrated as their toil and hard work will soon be rewarded. Debts can be settled, the new dress can be bought, the trip to the city can be funded, medical bills will be paid off and alcohol drinks are affordable. The list continues. “This was a good harvest”, Leody recalled. Had there been flooding or dry spells, there would be no celebrations.

During off farming season, the family weekends were spent at the beach. The children spent hours riding the surf until they are toasted brown and burnt. Lunch was ‘kinilaw’ (fish salad) and ‘camote’ (sweet potato).

Leody was a religious man, he ensured that the family attended Sunday masses. They comforted the sick and attended burials even if not related. Leody treated everyone outside his family as his own. Whenever a meal is served, this is shared with everyone, including the helpers. There had been countless of uninvited visitors that dined with the family, all treated with warm hospitality. If children complained about the food, he reminded them how fortunate they were unlike his days where a dried anchovy was tied to a string and buried into the rice. Once in the mouth the string is pulled with the anchovy intact for the next round. True or false, the children refused to believe it happened. He is a joker but his story prompted a reality check for everyone. After dinner, the family often held novena prayer for death anniversaries of the loved ones. The family gathered around the altar and recited in unison the prayers. Often, he would crack pranks halfway through the prayers sending everyone to giggle.

As a father, he was a strict disciplinarian. The children knew their boundaries and punishments awaited when these were compromised. His stern voice and the thought of being lashed by a belt or spanked were enough deterrence.

Behind Every Man’s Success

“It was 1958 Christmas holiday when I met Concordia ‘Cording’. On May 27, 1959, we got married”. Leody recalled.

Concordia was born in Cantilan on January 1, 1932. Her brothers and sisters and spouses are Antonino (Flora Boco), Francisco (Lydia Cubillan), Romarica (Rolando Estal) and Rafael (Lolita Solis / Lydia Ruaza).

After the war in 1944, she was only in Grade 2 class and was accelerated twice and graduated in 1947.

Cording’s parents Teofilo Puerto Arreo and Juana Urquia Lugo were farmers and their income was not enough to support their daily needs. Cording attended classes only three times a week to help her parents in the rice field as her father was paralysed. Her assistance in the farm is of paramount importance to support her own and her siblings’ studies. Like her brothers and sisters, Cording also studied to become a teacher. Her brother Francisco taught in Siargao Islands, Antonino in Llorente Eastern Samar, Rafael in Nueva Vizcaya and Romarica in Mangagoy.

During her college days, she stayed with her cousin, cooked their own food and rented a room with a little allowance of vegetables and rice. “My luggage was a big box made of wood’’. Cording recalled. The second semester, she preferred a small carton as her suitcase. During her study she received no daily allowance fro snacks, transportation and miscellaneous needs. She had to walk from house to school. She graduated ETC after one year study.

She took summer classes and finished her ETCHE (BSEIC). It was after during her short break from an assignment in remote Siargao Island that that he met Leody at the bus. On one of Leody’s courtship visits, he killed a chicken by accident. He wrapped the chicken with his handkerchief and left it with a lady friend at a nearby house, to spare himself from embarrassment. “Leody was so shy”. Cording recalled vividly with a smile on her face.

Home Economics

Since graduation from college in 1950, Cording taught for the next forty years. She became a Master Teacher I. While teaching she specialised in Home Economics as an Elementary School Teacher.

With a big family, they had to double their efforts to make ends meet. While Leody tilled their farm on weekends, Cording juggled teaching and canteen responsibilities at Cantilan Pilot School during weekdays to supplement their limited income. Cording however knew, that the sales derived from “ginat-an”, “bod bod” and cassava cakes were not sufficient to fund the children’s university fees. (Bod bod is a Filipino desert made of glutinous rice, sugar and coconut milk wrapped in banana leaves, Ginat an is made of cubed sweet potato, taro, ripe bananas, coconut milk, sago, and sugar). The children, nephews and nieces living with them have their fair share of hard work. Everyday, the household is awake as early as four o’clock in the morning to shred cassava, grate coconut and chop all the ingredients required for the canteen. These tasks were in addition to the daily chores of cleaning the house, feeding the pigs and chickens.

There had been ongoing support from their relatives and from everyone that were brave to extend their credits. Everyday comes with a challenge, juggling resources and stretching credit lines. The children cringed when someone knocked at the door as they knew they were debt collectors.

Cording’s younger sister “Maric” and husband Lando Estal have been generous in extending their financial support towards the education of Leody and Cording’s children. Her brother Francisco and wife and children were also at hand to extend their financial assistance.

Leody’s brother Wenceslao and wife “Lolay” have been kind enough in providing accommodation for the children while they were in Cebu.

Cording’s teachings

“The teacher is like the candle which lights others in consuming itself”. Giovanni Ruffini/Italian writer(1807).

Cording proved that poverty is not a barrier to obtaining good education. She proved that teaching is a noble profession to improve people’s lives. She has inspired not only her children and her students but the community around her. Amongst her positions in the community included as President of Rural Improvement Club, President – Provincial RIC for ten years, President, Catholic Woman’s Club and President, Senior Citizen’s Association.

In 2001, she travelled to Illinois as representative of the Philippines – International Homemakers Exchange.

In 2006, she was awarded as an Outstanding Mother.

The Nurturing Mother

The name “Concordia” means peace, harmony. Juana and Teofilo, her parents must have sensed that their child has that natural ability. Cording lived to her name’s expectations. This can be seen in her household and the political arena Leody brought into her life. While Leody is busy taking in the challenges of political issues, Cording was always at hand, as the silent executive officer.

Cording is a devout Catholic, simple, hard working and very creative. As a mother of seven, Cording made motherhood looked simple. Despite all the complexities of life itself, Cording always wore a smile.

In 1961, she gave birth to their first child Leocordio “Leo”. Leo was followed by six more children born almost every year. Leo is the firstborn, the brightest son in my mother’s eyes and the perfect role model for his siblings. He is a Civil Engineer and married Dra Helen Plaza. They now have three children (Patrick, Charles & Glenn).

Gil followed soon in September 1962. He is a Mechanical Engineer and is married to Tess Zamora with two children Anna Beatrice and Dominic and lives in Australia.

Joel popped out in July 1964. “Jong Jong” was adopted out to Leody’s childless sister Desideria “Desin” and Faustino Guir. Unlike Vicky, Joel was aware of his adoption and seemed to enjoy his access to dual parents and 24/7 access to grandmother “Irenea” fondly called as Baye by the grandchildren. Jong Jong is an Electrical Engineer, married to Tess Abanes and now has six children Joemar, Jessa Mae, Joela Marie, Jella Mae, Jazelle Mae and Joel Jr. Joel is currently working as a 2nd Electrical Engineer at the Royal Caribbean.

Lea Corazon came in December 1965, is a CPA now married to Nally Santos and has one child Lynneal Jia.

In July 1967 Victoria was delivered, is now a Medical Technologist. Cording had to make a difficult decision to adopt out her fifth child Victoria “Vicky” to a childless brother Antonino “Ninong” Arreo and wife Flora “Podang”. Vicky was only ten months old and was never aware of her adoption until she turned seventeen years old. Both Ninong and Podang have now passed away. After her husband’s death, Podang was tragically murdered during a break and enter in their home in Llorente, Eastern Samar, Philippines. It was a heartbreaking news for everyone and a tragedy Vicky will never forget. The murderer was a drug addict, not a local resident is now serving his sentence in jail. Vicky is now happily married to Alan Grafil with three children, Vince, Neil & Alyana.

n July 1968 Noe “Toto” arrived. He is an Electronics Engineer and now married to Liselle Yu with two children Naya and Nathan. Noe is now working as a Slot Manager, Royal Carribean.

Leda “Edang” joyfully came in February 1970 with much enthusiasm from her older brothers and sisters. Leda is a Registered Nurse married to Nico Urbiztondo with three children, Nicole, Mary Con Joy and Angel Louie. Leda has acquired Leody’s charisma and has great potentials to be a great politician someday. Leda is now the Chief Nurse of Madrid Hospital, Surigao del Sur.

Christmas at the Arreza’s residence in the 1970s included gift giving of candies, repacked biscuits, popcorn and newly sewn clothes she made. Cording made sure politics did not interfere with the family’s way of life. On one Christmas occasion, their house was packed with visitors. The children’s Christmas dinner was held at the Master’s Bedroom. The children pulled a “lechon” discreetly from a window.

Her love and energy are boundless and she is very compassionate with other people. There were always visitors to feed, wakes and funerals to attend, sick to tend to, meetings to preside and many more. They never expected for favours to be returned, although many came back with their expensive offerings of whisky selection or their best produces from their farm. at Leody’s delight.

When Cording’s brother Rafael became a widower, he was left with nine children including a newborn baby girl in Northern Philippines. With the help of her sister Maric and husband Lando, they went to Nueva Vizcaya and dealt with the unexpected tragedy. They came back to Cantilan with the eight children and their brother Rafael to rebuild their new lives in the south. The children were allocated to uncles and aunties until their father could settle down for a new job. Grace the newborn was left at the care of her grandmother. Rafael landed a teaching job at a nearby town in Cantilan but his love of alcohol continued. He remarried Lydia and together they have four children. His addition to alcohol continued and Cording always come to the rescue whenever he needed bailout. Oftentimes, his actions became bitter arguments between Cording and Leody. Alcohol ruled Rafael’s remaining life until he passed away. He wasted his life, his talent and the opportunity to see all his beautiful children and grandchildren. Rafael was an exceptional artist and an intelligent teacher when he is sober. Throughout these ordeals, Cording was always steadfast in ensuring his brother’s young family is being looked after. With the help of Cording’s brothers and sisters and the children’s hardwork, all have finished their studies. Hilda, the eldest daughter of Rafael and Lolita has also played a great role in ensuring that everyone in the family obtained proper education.

With assistance from both the Arreza and Arreo families, Leody and Cording successfully raised seven children. The Arreza household was filled with extended families offering services from babysitting to financial assistance. Nanay Maric and Tatay Lando were always generous in providing financial assistance. Tatay Eslaw and Nanay Lolay were always there side by side in ensuring the family have sufficient financial help. Tatay Kikoy, Nanay Lyd and their financially capable children have also shared in easing their financial load. The Arreo children especially Hilda, Lowell, Anthony, John John, Christopher, Jonah, Lala, & Babette have also worked hard under the heat of the sun to be part of a beautiful harvest. The Estal children were not exemptions. They too have been strictly ordered to work under the heat of the sun to plant rice, pull weeds, and harvest rice.

Cording and Leody’s journey was a remarkable one. Their lives were simple yet a hard act to follow. The legacy of this union is immensely overflowing. They are one of the greatest farmers on earth. Leody and Cording together have 20 grand children. They celebrated their 55th and last wedding anniversary together in 2014.

Listen! A farmer went to sow his seed. As he was scattering seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants so that they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty or even a hundred times. Then Jesus said, “’He who has ears to hear, let him hear”. Mark 4:3-9

Twilight Years

In July 2013, Leody happily decided to quit politics. Despite temptations and persuasions from his colleagues, he politely refused and instead suggested to give the youth a chance to join politics.

At 84 he just started to settle down as a private citizen and enjoyed the company of his wife, children and grandchildren. Since his retirement, he started to have symptoms of the mysterious Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, which included itchiness to the skin, loss of appetite and unusual sweating. It was only in April 2014, he was officially diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. The events that followed was a test of a true friendship between Leody and Cording. Cording was at his bedside 24/7 to care for him. On 29 September 2014, Leodegario Ravelo Arreza succumbed to his illness.

On October 7, 2014, he was buried at the Cantilan Cemetery.

Excerpts from Eulogies in honor of Leodegario Arreza

By Hon Wenceslao Arreza, (ex SP Member) brother

Ako igsoon, Leodegario Ravelo Arreza, ang imo tawag dako Loloy gajod, dili man kaw mosugot tawagon Pare Leody. Nagbangutan man kanatong tanan, maayong buntag. Aron inyo hibaw an, ang tinuod nga kinabuhi ug pagkatawo ni Bro Leody, tuguti ako nga isaysay ihisgot ang among pamilya, ginikanan, amahan nga si Franciso Arreza. Naglaong man ang taga Carmen, maswerte gajod ang Carmen kay ang primero nila nga maestro Arreza ang primero nga mayor Arreza. Ikaduha, si Ignacio Arreza, na popular ug nag puyo sa lungsod sa Cantilan Ikatulo, mao si Tatay nga didto nagpuyo sa Sitio Oyay, Domoyog Ikaupat, si Pablo Arreza nahimo nga hepe sa Polisiya ug nagpuyo sa lungsod sa Cantilan. Ang gipusi, si Romano Arreza, very influential nga pagkatawo, nangempleyo sa Surigao ug didto usab nag puyo. Sa wala pa ko makagradwar, may isa aka panahon nga mingbakasyon ang among amaon nga si Macario Bautista Ravelo nga didto nagpuyo sa Baliwag Bulacan. Nagkalipay si Pare Leody kay matud nija, moiban sija. Amo na waya pa sija molakaw, naghinilakay kami kay matud pa ni Pare Leody, ikaw ra kan Loy mabilin mag uma uban kan Tatay kay kami maghanap nan paagi. Maayo gani kay wala naabti na kapin sa isa ka tuig, Sija paigo sa tanang gastohan kun hain man ang iskuylahan. Iya nakita ang Central Luzon, Miundang sija kay dili moigo. Pag uli nako didto na sija sa Cantilan. Pag abot nako sa Cantilan, masipog ako kay waya pa ako nakaiskuwela miapas ako didto sa Butuan. Apan nilaon si Bro Leody, mga unom ka buyan ang amo pag antos sa Butuan. Kinabuhi arang kalisod, gayay camote, sinahogan nan una. Pait kayo ang kinabuhi. Pagkadawat nija sa Taganaan, matud ni Bro Leody, magpreparar na kaw kay mopadayon na kaw pag iskwela. Bro igo igo na man gajod ang imo nahimo sa katawhan sa Cantilan, sa purok sa Surigao del Sur , Karon kay molakaw na man kaw na way pagbalik, wala nay mag imbita sa Baybay, wala nay mapistahan nan mga TSB sa panahon nan Agosto Hinumdumi dili kay gajod hikalimtan namo.

By Hon Johnny Pimentil, Provincial Governor

Maayong buntag sa tanan, in behalf of the province of Surigao del Sur and and in behalf of the provincial government of Surigao del Sur, we would like to extend our deepest and sincerest condolences to the bereaved children especially kan Mana Cording. We hope and we will pray that the family of Nong Leody and Mana Cording will overcome this adversity. I know how painful it is to lose a loved one. That is why we are here to give our moral support and console with the family of Nong Leody. The reason we are gathered is to pay our last respects to a person who has been a loving father to his children, nahimo silang malangpuson tungod sa pagpaningkamut ug pagpakita sa iyang pagmahal.

We are also gathered here to pay our last respects to a person, a very loving husband. Sa capitolyo, makadudum gjod ako, ako siya pagahangyoon Nong Leody ayaw na pag uli kay manihapon kita sa balay, pero ang kanunay niyang tubag, muuli gyod ako sa Cantilan kay walay uban ni Cording. Amo adto ako madumduman nga mapinanggaon gayod siya sa iyang mahal nga kapikas.

More importantly we are gathered here today to pay respects to a good and dedicated public servant. Nong Leody was able to serve the province of SDS for three terms in his role as Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member and during his term, he was the most active politician, in my political careers pagkagobernador isa siya nga nagtabang pagdagan ngani nako isa siya ningtabang, siya ang mag ingon kanunay siya ang magtudlo sa ako. Sincero nga public official, mao nga makaingon ako nga he was a good public servant. He was the epitomy of a public servant. Dili sa ubang publiko nga sige lang away, nga sige babag. Maswerte ako nga nakahigayon nakatrabaho ako kang Sir Leody. During my first term, nakatigayon ako sa mga programa tungod sa iyang supporta. He was very supportive of my administration. Isa si Nong Leody nga tawo nga ako nakaila nga pinakabuotan sa akong kinabuhi, Nong Leody kanunay ka namong dumdumun didto sa Capitolyo. Sa imong sincere nga pagservisyo, sa imong pagkabuotan, Pero nahibalo ko, bisag unsaon nato, bisag unsa kasakit mao man gyud ang kinabuhi, mao man gyod ni ang pagbuot sa atong Ginoo, there is a saying that life goes on but I know very well that from this point on, this time, Nong Leody is under the canopy of heaven,praising, facing the universe, Leodegario Arreza welcome the good, faithful servant, enter thy kingdom of heaven.

Eulogy for Tatay (official version)

Distinguished guests, dearest friends and relatives, Good Morning

As we farewell Tatay and send him best wishes to meet our Lord Redeemer, I would like to share this beautiful poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson, which surmises our father’s achievement here on earth. To laugh often and love much. To win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of the children. To earn the approbation of honest critics. To endure the betrayal of false friends. To appreciate beauty. To find the best in others. To give ones self. To leave the world a little better. Whether be a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition. To have played and laughed with enthusiasm. To have sung with exultation, to know that even one’s life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.

In this time of stillness and sadness, our heavy hearts are lightened by your overwhelming outpouring show of respect, sympathy and warmest consolations. Your flower tributes have been touching and overwhelming, such that there has been a shortage of flowers in Cantilan.

Our father is a real gentleman, even in death, he still protects us, ensuring the impact of death is not too overwhelming for his family. His good deeds are paying off and we are reaping the benefits. It has been overwhelming with too many random acts of kindness. Contributions have been flowing in money form or in kind. In the past few days, strangers, families and friends have approached us and shared their life changing stories with the help of Tatay. Todays event is bejeweled by the presence of high ranked public officers, teachers, policemen, doctors, nurses, priests and many others. These and many more are signs of utmost respect for our father’s legacy, On behalf of my mother, brothers and sisters and their respective families, we sincerely thank you for your kindness and generosity. To those who persevered with him in his last days, to those who listened to this ding, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. To Tatay, your happy infectious smile will always be remembered. The happy memories you left behind will see us through this difficult time.

Tatay, you have secured your immortality on earth leaving 7 children and 20 grandchildren. I am sure someday someone will follow your lead to be a true honest sincere public servant. In your own words to Nanay, unque me no diga. Finally dear God, we thank you for giving us the best father we could ever dream of. We hope you welcome him warmly into your paradise as he welcomes his visitors whether his children or strangers. He is a man of utmost integrity, sincere, generous, loving, has a great sense of humor, prompt and a loving husband to our mother.

We now entrust Tatay o Lord God. John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Eulogy for Tatay (unofficial version)

On behalf of Nanay and brothers and sisters and our extended families, I thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of our hearts as Tatay would have said. We are humbled by your presence today, comforted by your kind words in honor of our beloved Tatay.

If only he can come he would as he always does, thank each one of you or perhaps he will in private tonight or sometime in your dream. While it is painful to farewell Tatay, our family is comforted that now he is in heaven as public servants do!!!

He is now well rested, no more needles, no more bells to swing, no more albumin to inject, no more drips, no more itch, no more sufferings, no more pain, no more sleepless nights, no more nocturnal calls to Nanay and to Leda. During his illness, Tatay has a great sense of humor, earlier before the bell was discovered, when Nanay could not hear his calls, he would throw pillows to her to catch her attention. Our real comfort came from you, the many achievements he has accomplished throughout his life. I am sure you are here today because you loved him. Ninong mo si Tatay, naka tigsim kamo nan ija diluted na Johnny Walker, nakaplite kaw para ilaja, nakakaon kaw, nakapaiskwela kaw As a father, he is our super hero. we could not ask for anything more. He was a disciplinarian yet soft on the inside. His sense of humour never fail to amuse us. There were always stories to tell be at the farm or at the beach, we felt love around. His love for Nanay is immense.

Even at his deathbed, he always remind us to take care of Nanay. He fondly called Nanay Un Que which to date only Nanay knows what this meant. Recently when Joel asked Tatay what Unque means, he started crying. He has fed the hungry, comforted the sick, provided accommodation to homeless, counseled people, offered financial assistance and many more. Having said that, I am sure God will give him a warm welcome. God, whatever job you will give him, these are his favorites: -Tanduay – Tubo – Indian Mango – Kinilaw -Jumping jack -Lechon -Bas oy -Lanzones -Manga -Pandesal His best attributes are, prompt, professional, ethical, honest, great sense of humour, dependable, courageous I will end this tribute to my father’s life and legacy by a very simple, profound comment he made when he was ill. He said one evening, “I know my cure” and he pointed up towards God. Thank you all for touching Leodegario Ravelo Arreza’s life and for allowing him to touch yours.

The End