Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo 'Dax' Cua passes away at 48
Quirino Governor and former Congressman Dakila Carlo "Dax" Cua has passed away, the House of Representatives announced on Wednesday, Sept. 16. He was 48.
"The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' G. Dy III, joins the nation in mourning the passing of Quirino Governor and former Congressman Dakila Carlo 'Dax' Cua," the House statement read, as posted on Facebook.
"We remember Governor Dax for his years of dedicated public service and his commitment to the people of Quirino and to strengthening local governance in the Philippines and across the Asia-Pacific region," the statement continued.
Cua previously served as the representative of Quirino's lone district during the 15th, 16th, and 17th Congresses. At the time of his death, he was president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific.
He was the son of Junie Cua, who also served as a congressman and governor of Quirino Province, and is the former chairman of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
Cua leaves behind his wife, Midy, who currently serves as the representative of Quirino's lone district. They share three children.
Tributes
On Wednesday afternoon, the Quirino Province Facebook page shared a video message from Junie Cua, which he delivered in a mix of English and Ilocano.
"It is with a very heavy heart and profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved son Dax Cua," Junie said, wiping away tears.
"Your prayers, your presence, your support will be a great source of strength and comfort to our family," he continued. "His memory, his contributions, and the legacy he leaves behind will live with us."
"In this difficult moment, may we find strength in our faith, comfort with one another, and courage to face the days ahead," Junie said. "Your memory will remain in the hearts of the people you served for 25 years selflessly with compassion and integrity."
House Speaker Dy also mourned his colleague through a statement.
"Bilang kapwa-Ilokano at kasamang nagsisilbi sa Cagayan Valley, nakita ko ang kanyang malasakit sa Quirino at ang kanyang pagsisikap na maiangat ang buhay ng mga pamilyang kanyang pinaglilingkuran," Dy wrote.
"For those of us who knew and worked with Dax, we mourn more than the loss of a leader. We mourn a colleague and a kailian whose commitment to public service touched so many lives," he continued.
Sen. JV Ejercito likewise shared his grief on social media. Ejercito and Cua were both congressmen during the 15th Congress.
"Gov. Dax was one of the nicest, gentlest, and most unassuming public [officials] that I know," Ejercito wrote.
In a Facebook post, UCLG ASPAC also gave a tribute to Cua.
"Since assuming the presidency of UCLG ASPAC in 2023, Governor Cua has been a steadfast leader and a passionate advocate for local governments. He consistently championed and embodied our shared belief that 'the future is local'," the organization wrote.
"We believe that his legacy will continue to guide and inspire our work and that his contributions will live on through the efforts of local governments across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond," the statement continued.
As the flag at the House of Representatives flew at half-mast to mourn Cua's passing, Quirino Provincial Governor Hon. Julius Caesar S. Vaquilar gave a similar order. On Wednesday afternoon, he issued an executive order directing the half-masting of the flag in government buildings and offices across the province of Quirino for three days to honor Cua, "whose death has brought profound sorrow to the people of the Province of Quirino," Vaquilar wrote.
Cua's remains will be brought to the Quirino Capitol People's Gymnasium on Thursday, Sept. 17, as posted by Junie Cua. Public viewing will begin the same day from 5 to 10 p.m. On Sept. 18 and 19, viewing will be from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; on Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
There will be necrological services on Sept. 20 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Public viewing will continue at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City on Sept. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m. On Sept. 22 and 23, viewing will be from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
On Sept. 24, there will be necrological services from 7 to 10 p.m.
Interment will be on Sept. 25.
