TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Former Kalinga representative Manuel Agyao succumbed to a lingering illness in a Manila hospital on June 22, Friday. He was 77 years old.

Agyao, a civil engineer, will be transported to his residence in Bulanao over the weekend where final schedules for his internment and burial will be discussed.

Tabuk City Mayor Ferdinand Tubban said the death of Agyao is a big loss to the province of Kalinga where he is loved.

Tubban said Agayo served as a man of action and an inspiration to the province.

Agyao also served as regional director and assistant secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways and represented during the 14th, 15th and 16th Congresses.