Goodbye, Kap!

The bereaved family and friends of the late Olongapo City Acting Market Master and former barangay captain of Gordon Heights Damian delos Santos laid his body to his final resting place at the Heritage Garden last April 27, 2010.

Delos Santos, passed away last April 22 at the age of 65 due to diabetes complications such as heart disease, pneumonia and kidney failure.

“Si Kapitan delos Santos ay nagsilbi bilang Ama ng Gordon Heights sa loob ng mahabang panahon,” said Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. at the necrological service held at Gordon Heights Covered Court. “Napakaraming taon sa kanyang buhay ang ginugol nya sa paglilingkod sa inyong barangay kaya naman nararapat lamang na magbigay-pugay tayo sa inialay nyang katapatan at dedikasyon sa pagseserbisyo publiko,” added Mayor Gordon who also brought with him a copy of City Council Resolution expressing commiseration to the bereaved family of the late barangay captain and recognizing the years of dedicated service he gave to the public.

“Maraming salamat po so lahat ng taong nakiramay at nag-alay ng dasal para sa aking asawa . Lalung lalo na po kina Mayor Bong at First Lady Anne Marie Gordon na syang umalalay sa amin mula ng araw na sumakabilang buhay ang aking kabiyak at kina Senator Richard Gordon at Kate Gordon na sya namang kasama namin sa paghahatid sa huling hantungan sa aking asawa,” said wife, Evelyn, who is also the head of City Public Employment Service Office.

“Hindi namin inaasahan na ganito pala karami ang nagmamahal sa aking kapatid. Simula nang sya ay maiburol sa Olongapo Memorial Chapel hanggang sya ay mailipat sa Barangay hall ay napakaraming tao ang dumalaw sa kanya upang makiramay. Maraming Salamat po sa pagmamahal nyo sa aking kapatid,” expressed Eddie delos Santos who flew in from abroad to attend his brother’s funeral rites.

Damian delos Santos was born on November 6, 1944 in Nabua, Camarines Sur and an educator by profession. Although delos Santos was given the opportunity to migrate abroad as a long time U.S. Military Base employee, he chose to stay in Olongapo and spent most of his life serving his barangay. Delos Santos, together with his family, was also one among the thousands of volunteers who were with Senator Richard Gordon when the Americans left Subic Bay in 1991.