Ex-Lingayen mayor passes away

By Melvin Samson

LINGAYEN – This town’s former Officer-In-Charge Mayor Feliciano “Sonny”  Casipit Enrique passed away last September 7 due to heart attack.

 Enrique had been suffering from diabetes for quite some time and suffered stroke several years ago but recovered with sufficient medical attention as well as caring and loving family members. Last September 7, he suffered myocardial infarction or commonly known as heart attack while at his farm in Brgy. Libsong here.  He was rushed to the nearest hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Viewing of the remains and wake of Enrique was at the Chapel of the Lingayen Heritage Park in Brgy. Maniboc of this capital town.

Enrique left his loving wife Lorna, daughters Rachelle E. Dy and Johnna Marie, equally loving sons, Lloyd Angel and Ghenier; and  brothers and sisters: Romeo, Alejandro, Esmeraldo, Lilia, Linda, Elpidio-“Ely” and Prospero-“Pros/Boy”.

The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Lingayen passed SB Resolution No.284-Series of 2015 on September 8, 2015, ”Expressing deep sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of the late former Lingayen OIC-Mayorfor his valuable service to the people and to this town, as well as his contributions as a successful businessman to the development and progress of Lingayen.”  Enrique was even specifically cited for starting the Lingayen Bagoong Jaycees as its Charter President.  The resolution was passed by Councilors: Jonathan Carl R. Arcinue; Sheila C. Gonzales; Silverio V. Tapia, Jr.; Orlando R. Bartolome; Judy D. Vargas; Ramon N. Bataoil; Maria Andrea Verzosa-Meneses; Jay Mark Kevin D. Crisostomo; Faustino O. Ferrer, Jr.; duly attested by Genaro L. Valencerina, Jr., SB Secretary; certified correct by Vice-Mayor Nepthalie D. Pasiliao, SB Presiding Officer; and approved by Lingayen Mayor Josefina V. Castañeda.  A copy of the resolution was provided to the bereaved Enrique Family by the Lingayen LGU.

At Enrique’s funeral last Wednesday morning, September 16, 2015,  a Memorial Service was done at the Lingayen United Methodist Church officiated by former DS’s Rev. Eduardo del Rosario and Rev. Abraham Casipit;  followed by a Necrological Service to Honor the late OIC-Mayor “Sonny” Casipit Enrique, that transpired at the Lingayen Municipal Hall with former Mayor Nolan Evangelista, former Councilor Joe Ferrer and incumbent Mayor Josefina V. Castañeda as well as close friends and relatives who remembered the goodness of the late, former Mayor “Sonny”, as he is warm-heartedly called during their eulogy/tribute messages. His remains was laid to rest at the Enrique Family Mausoleum, on Salvacion Street, Brgy. Maniboc of this town.

During Enrique’s stint as an OIC-Mayor of Lingayen, he did not claim his salary and other benefits.  He instead allocated the same for the allowances of the rank and file employees especially the utility workers at the this town’s hall and the grounds in its vicinity,  wherein they considered Enrique as a friend and a big brother to them.  He was a close political ally to then Rep. Joe Bengson and at that time Mayor Nolan Evangelista.