Benguet mourns the passing of the so-called "Action Man" of Benguet province, Benguet Representative Nestor Bagtang Fongwan Sr.
His son, Nestor Fongwan Jr., said the lawmaker passed away on Wednesday night at 10:42 p.m. The congressman was 68 years old.
In another Facebook post, the younger Fongwan said that his father’s remains will be brought to Guadayan, Puguis in La Trinidad on Thursday night.
“We are expected to arrive before sunrise tomorrow, December 20, 2019,” he said.
The Fongwan family has yet to release an official statement detailing his passing. However, the good congressman has previously been reported to have serious health complications and has been in hospital for a long time.
Rep. Fongwan, served as Benguet governor from 2007 to 2016 before returning to politics in the May 2019 elections, successfully winning a seat in the House of Representatives after defeating Kieth Thorrsson and Materno Luspian in the May midterm elections.
He also served as the mayor of Benguet’s capital town of La Trinidad from 1995 to 2001 and 2004 to 2007. He was the municipal vice mayor from 1992 to 1995 and councilor from 1988 to 1992.
During Fongwan's more than 30 years in politics, he was hailed as Benguet's Action Man for his rapid response during disasters.
Benguet also received various honors and assurances under his tenure as governor.
Fongwan Sr.'s significant contributions include the construction of the Benguet Sports Complex, an 8,000-capacity gym and new Benguet Capitol building, as well as the rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads for farmers in the province.
He focuses primarily on his advocacy for senior citizens, students, poor patients and especially farmers.
Benguet Congressman Nestor Bagtang Fongwan Sr. was born on June 12, 1951.
Update: Kidney disease, cause of death of Benguet Representative Fongwan Sr.
The cause of Benguet Representative Nestor Bagtang Fongwan Sr.'s death has been confirmed as a kidney disease.
Benguet Governor Melchor Diclas announced this and said that the congressman had sought treatment at the National Kidney Institute in Quezon City.
Benguet Board Member Nestor Fongwan Jr., son of the congressman, said the remains of the deceased politician have been taken to Guadayan, Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet..
According to Governor Diclas, various activities will be undertaken to recognize the heroism and accomplishments of the late congressman, especially his major contributions to the development of Benguet.
