Aguedo F. Agbayani

From WikiPilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia

Aguedo F. Agbayani (b. December 16, 1919 - October 23, 2003) is a great Filipino politician who was the longest serving Governor of the province of Pangasinan. He also served as former Representative of the 1st District of the province to the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th (1957–1972) of the House of Representatives.

1 Early Life
2 Education
3 Career History
4 Awards and Honors Received
5 Books Authored
6 Personal life
7 Belief
8 See Also
9 References
10 Citation

[edit] Early Life

Aguedo was born in Pangasinan to a carpenter. Despite poverty, he was able to finish his studies. He was a hardworking student and was a consistent scholar and a student leader.

[edit] Education

He finished as valedictorian both from the Lingayen Elementary School and Pangasinan High School. Furthermore, he graduated cum laude from the University of the Philippines College of Law. In 1983, he was accorded Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa by the University of Pangasinan. He took the bar examinations in 1948 where he placed 4th.

During his stay in U.P., he served as editor-in-chief of the Philippinensian U.P. Annual, city editor of the U.P. Philippine Collegian, captain of the U.P. Debating Team, president of the U.P. Writer's League, and Lord Chancellor of the Alph Phi Beta fraternity.

[edit] Career History

Before splurging into public service, Aguedo and his wife, Teresita Elizaga, asked themselves if they could thrive in politics. They decided to enter but they made a solemn agreement between themselves that if the time came when political survival would entail sacrificing one’s principles, it would be time for them to leave politics^[1].

He started his political career in 1952, as secretary to then Senate President Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez. After 5 years, in 1957, he ran for Congress and was elected. He represented the 1st District of Pangasinan to the 4th, 5th, 6th until the 7th Congress of the Philippines (1957-1972). He was considered as one of the most talented members of the House of Representatives the reason why he was always re-elected. He had membered the most important committees like Appropriations; Banks, Currency, and Corporations; Ways and Means; Revisions of Laws; Commerce and Industry; Economic Affairs; and Judiciary. He had also chairmaned the Committee on Banks, Currency and Corporations; Committee on Education, and a member of the powerful Electoral Tribunal.

This active participation in Congress has gained his fellow Pangasinenses's trust that when he ran for governor in 1971, he won with majority of votes. He continued to serve until 1986, making him as the longest-running governor of the province.

[edit] Awards and Honors Received

Among the awards he received were:

1976 Governor of the Year, by the reporters of Metropolitan Manila daily newspaper and the "Philippine News Agency;

Outstanding Performance in the Implementation of PDAP/USAID Programs, from the United States' Department of State;

Most Outstanding Officials of the Philippines, from the M.L. Quezon Memorial Society;

Most Outstanding Congressman for 1964, from the Philippine National Government Employees Association and the Congressional Press Club, Philippine Free Press, Weekly Graphic and Weekly Nation.

In June 14, 2006 a monument was built to honor him for his sincere and persistent service not only to Pangasinan but as a citizen. The unveiling of the monument was led by House Speaker Jose De Venecia, Jr. at the park named in Agbayani's honor (Gov. Aguedo F. Agabayani Park, former Capitol Grounds).

[edit] Books Authored

Among the books he has authored were:

"Commentaries and Jurisprudence on the Commercial Laws of the Philippines" (Volumes 1 to 4);
Commercial Law Reviewer;
CPA Law Reviewer;
Negotiable Instruments;
Partnerships and Private Corporations; and,
Insurance, Insolvency and Labor Legislation.

[edit] Personal life

Aguedo was married to Teresita Elizaga with whom he had 8 children: Marla, Luis, Victor, Carmina, Roberto, Joselito, Pia and Teresita Victoria (heir fourth child, Celine, died at age 22). He also had 13 grandchildren.

He died at the age of 83, on October 23, 2003. His remains lie at the Himlayang Filipino in Tandang Sora, Pasong Tamo, Quezon City.

[edit] Belief

This is a quote from his inaugural address in 1971, the pledge that he would govern with a...

“

leadership that conceives of public office as a trust, not a privilege; as a duty not as power; as a responsibility not authority; and as an instrument of service to the people, not self-aggrandizement.

”

^[2].