Albay Gov. Grex Lagman mourned the sudden and unexpected death of Bacacay Mayor Armando “Dinky” Romano.
Lagman condoled with Bacacay and with Romano’s family.
He paid tribute to Romano’s achievements, saying the latter’s simple and folksy ways struck a chord in his constituents’ hearts.
He praised Romano for devoting most of his life to serving his beloved town. He truly lived a life of purpose, he added.
The governor also said he had fond memories with the mayor, who had been his political ally.
Romano helped him win big in the town during the 2019 elections, he said. In fact, his win in Bacacay was the highest percentage he got among the six local governments in Albay’s first district.
He will cherish the happiness that Romano gave the people he served.
Lagman said he would also miss the times he and Romano played basketball together and the fresh fish the mayor would give him.
But most of all, he would miss their genuine and earnest friendship.
May he rest in peace.
“I am deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected passing of a good friend and fellow public servant in the person of Mayor Armando “Dinky” Romano. I condole with all the Bacacayanos he has faithfully served as councilor, vice mayor and, for 3 consecutive terms, as Mayor (in 2016, 2019 and 2022). On behalf of my family and my staff at the Governor’s Office, i extend my deepest condolences to Mayor Dinky’s spouse Lars, their three beautiful children and his loving sisters led by Ate Lalay and brother at this most difficult time.
The whole of Bacacay mourns your passing even as they celebrate your meaningful life as a man who understood them and was truly a father to them. Your simple ad folksy ways struck a chord in their hearts. You truly had the common touch as you set on your mission to secure their welfare as the leader of your progressive town. You have devoted much of your adult life to serving your beloved Bacacay. Your life, without a doubt, was marked with purpose.
I will always treasure the fond memories i have of you, Dinky. Especially in 2012 when we first became partners and allies under the leadership of Congressman Edcel C. Lagman. We both successfully ran and won in 2013. I, as representative in Congress of the First District of Albay and you as vice mayor of Bacacay.
I am especially thankful to you and your team when you helped me win big in Bacacay in 2019. Bacacay, through your stewardship, gave me the highest percentage of winning among the six (6) LGUs in the First District of Albay at 79%.
I will miss the basketball games we played together; i will miss the fresh fish that you would always deliver for my consumption in papa’s house in Sogod; i will always cherish the happiness you gave your constituents in all the installments of Karagumoy Festival; and, most of all, i will miss your genuine and earnest friendship.
Vaya con Dios, Hon. Mayor Dinky! You led a full life even if the good Lord called you back in his arms at just 46 years of age. You did not count the years. You made the years given to you count. Rest in peace,” Lagman posted