Antonino, the late Mayor Lobregat and former Cong. Daisy Avance-Fuentes (District II South Cotabato) were the triumvirate of woman legislators from Mindanao called “Tres Marias” who fought against the inclusion of their districts in the proposed Southern Philippines Council for Peace and Development (SPCPD).

“She was a mother to all, generous but firm,” Antonino recalled the late mayor, whom she fondly called “Tita Caling”. “She was well known during the 10th Congress as the one who gave us roses during Christmas Day and Valentine’s Day and chocolates and cookies everyday”.

Mayor Celso Lobregat, in his response, said the Tres Marias stood by the people of Mindanao during the time of the “infamous SPCPD”. He recalled that when he replaced Mrs. Lobregat as the city’s representative in the 11th and 12th Congress, he was taken in by Antonino and Fuentes as their ally called “Mario”.

While the SPCPD issue was over when he replaced his mother in Congress, Lobregat said he and the two congresswomen from South Cotabato continued the fight, this time, for the protection of the non-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) provinces and cities through the inclusion of the transitory provisions in the ARMM law.

The mayor, at times teary eyed, recalled the lessons that he and his 5 siblings learned from Mrs. Lobregat. “As a mother she was very strict, she made sure that we know the value of life, the value of work, there was no spoon feeding”.

One virtue which Mrs. Lobregat instilled on his mind, according to Mayor Lobregat, is the politics of loyalty. He said despite the many challenges, his mother had never switched political parties and that he will follow the same brand of politics.

Custodio also recalled fond memories of the late Zamboanga mayor though she said she never had the chance of being close to her. “She was a woman who commanded respect and I admired her for her brand of leadership”.

The 4th death anniversary of the late Mrs. Lobregat kicked off with a concelebrated mass at the St. Joseph Church presided by Archbishop Romulo Valles and was followed by a motorcade from the church to the Jardin Maria Clara in Pasonanca where a commemorative program was held.

Rep.  Beng Climaco delivered the closing remarks while City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos, chairperson of the organizing committee, gave the welcome remarks.

A floral offering rite with flower drop courtesy of the 3rd Division of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) preceded the program. The PAF also provided the wreath laying honors.

The ceremony was attended by city government officials and employees, representatives from the regional government agencies, non-government organizations, people’s organizations and multi-sectoral groups such as the barangay.

The Lobregat family was represented by Mayor Lobregat and sister Ditos and grandchild Clara.

Mrs. Lobregat passed away January 2, 2004 in a hospital in Manila. She is well remembered for her sense of compassion, sincerity, generosity and was a symbol of selfless humanity. — SEC