TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- Batanes Lone District Representative Henedina Abad died on Sunday night, October 8. She was 62.
One of Abad’s staff at the House of Representatives confirmed to The Northern Forum the lawmaker’s passing. The source said her body had since been cremated and will be transferred from Arlington Funeral to Ateneo de Manila University 10 am on Monday, October 11.
She had been reportedly battling cancer.
Several lawmakers and colleagues expressed their mourning over Abad’s death.
Vice President Leni Robredo paid tribute to Abad, saying she was a “treasure” of the country.
“This (photo) was just in January. Now, she’s gone. You will be terribly missed, Congresswoman Dina Abad. The nation lost another treasure,” Robredo said in a Facebook post.
Senator Sonny Angara, Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo, Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat, and other colleagues posted their tribute on Twitter.
RiP Cong Dina Abad. A respected former colleague in the House. Our prayers go out to Sec Butch, Sec Julia and their family 🙏🏼
— Sonny Angara (@sonnyangara) October 8, 2017
Our deepest condolences to the family of Rep Dina Abad. She fought every battle like it was her last – with ferocity and integrity. #padayon
— Miro Quimbo (@miroquimbo) October 8, 2017
I just learned that a wonderful colleague and progressive law maker passed away. Ill miss my Nanay in Congress. RiP Dina Abad.
— Teddy B. Baguilat (@TeddyBaguilatJr) October 8, 2017
Sometimes the best leaders among us pass away as simply as they lived. We love you,Cong.Dina Abad. We will struggle on.
— Mon Jimenez (@Jimenez_Mon) October 8, 2017
RIP Cong/Ninang Dina Abad 🙏Indeed to live is Christ & to die is gain. Prayers for Sec/Ninong Butch, Sec Julia & the entire family. God bless
— Joel Villanueva (@senatorjoelv) October 8, 2017
Rep Dina Abad was a member of the “parliament of the streets”. Her principles & integrity were developed by her love for the basic sectors
— Erin Tañada (@erintanada) October 8, 2017
Abad was the wife of former Budget Secretary Butch Abad. She served as representative of the lone district of Batanes since 2010 under Liberal Party (LP).
Before her election as District Representative of Batanes in 2004, Henedina served as Dean of the School of Government of the Ateneo de Manila. She is a seasoned community organizer, policy advocate and NGO coalition builder.
She graduated cum laude at Maryknoll College with Economics degree, and obtained her Masters in Public Administration at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
The Abad family has yet issue a statement on her death. Northernforum.net
