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Tuesday, June 20, 2006
No such thing as barren soil: Davide Sr.
Argaonons are going to miss a great man who became their icon of untainted, sincere and dignified public service, and made their town in southern Cebu proud by raising children who inherited his values.
Respected farmer and former public school teacher Hilario “Undo” Panerio Davide Sr. will be buried on Thursday at the Cebu Memorial Park after a requiem mass at the Redemptorist Church in Cebu City.
“At such a golden age, Papa is still full of hope, rich in wisdom and with love beyond price. In the prime of his youth and in the heyday of his career, my Papa, who was then a young teacher, brought the liberating power of words to the unschooled.
Always, Papa would remind us that there is no such thing as barren soil, only barren minds,” former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. had said in receiving the Special Centenarian Award from the Golden Center of Cebu Inc. on behalf of his father last Oct. 15.
Hilario Sr. was 100 years and nine months old then and was unable to attend, so he sent the sixth of his seven children, Davide Jr., to receive the award.
Dedicating his life to free his townsfolk from the “shackles of illiteracy” also earned him the Model Filipino award in 1988 by the Filipino Foundation Inc.
Another reminder that Hilario Jr., his brothers and sisters could not forget about their father is the value of education and environmental care.
Hilario Sr. was given a memorable party in his 100th birthday last Jan. 14, 2005. Politicians and members of the judiciary who have roots in Argao were among his guests.
“Jan. 14, 2005 was an affair that deserved 21 gun salutes, glittering jewels and fancy clothes. But there were no 21 gun salutes, no ostentatious jewelry worn, and no over-the-top outfits fit for a coronation. What it was, however, was one of the most genuine displays of familial love and proof that giving ourselves to the service of others indeed make a fulfilled life,” said an article from todd.lucero.sales.tripod.com honoring Hilario Sr. on his birthday.
Hilario Sr. was born in the mountain barangay of Colawin, Argao to farming couple Pablo Davide and Teodora Panerio.
Poverty did not stop him from becoming a teacher at the Talaga Elementary School in 1920s. He last served as district school supervisor before he retired in 1969.
He is survived by his five children, 18 grandchildren and more than 20 great grandchildren. (AIV)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (June 20, 2006 issue)
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