Former Camarines Sur Rep. Dato Arroyo found it hard to accept that one of his mentors, Rolando “Nonoy” Andaya Jr., is now gone.
In a Facebook post, Arroyo said that among his mentors in nine years in Congress, Andaya had the biggest influence on him.
Andaya kept himself informed about what he was doing and was always ready to give advice when asked.
But Andaya never dictated on him what to do and allowed him to grow into his own, he said
Andaya also celebrated his successes, he added.
It was not easy to accept he is gone, said Arroyo.
There are a lot of things they could have done outside politics, he said.
His family condoles with Andaya’s loved ones and all the people he had helped, he said.
He will never forget Andaya, a true friend.
It was an honor to stand with him, he said.
“May mga ilang bagay sa buhay na pag nabalitaan mo, tila napakabigat sa damdamin. Isa na ‘to dun.
Nonoy Andaya was perhaps the biggest influence among the mentors I had in my 9 years in Congress. He would always keep himself updated with everything I did, and would always be available whenever I asked for advice; but he would never dictate to me what actions I should take. He let me grow into my own brand of public service, and he was always proud of my success.
Magabat sa daghan an bareta, Bosing. Nakakamondo. Nakakahibi.
Dakol pa kuta kitang plano sa katoninongan kan buhay na mayong pulitika. Mabiyarahe pa kuta kita sa beach. Maplano nin ride. Mabale sa mga triathlon asin openwater race. Marelax-relax pa kuta kita kaiba an familia.
Kung anuman an saimong naguin mga rason sa aldaw na ini, ipapangadyi mi na lang ika. Dios an bahala magbalos saimo, asin sa mga karahayan na naguinibo mo.
Nakikidumamay po an samong familia sa gabos po na nagpapadangat ki Sec/Cong Nonoy Andaya, orog na po sa saiyang familia, asin sa mga dai mabilang na tawo na saiyang natabangan.
Dai taka malilingawan, Bosing. Tunay na Amigo. Paaram.
It was an honor to stand with you. May your soul rest in peace. See you on the other side,” Arroyo posted.