(Eulogy during the Funeral Service held by his former colleagues -- barangay captains and former sangguniang bayan members -- on August 19, 2011)
Mr. Rico; Mrs. Rico and children, members of the Rico Family; fellow mourners:
I feel honored to be here to say my final goodbye to a “fellow alumni” in community service – that is if we could regard our past services to our hometown then as our Alma Mater. We were not only “former classmates”, in the service of our hometown, but to add color and flavor of it, we were “glassmates”.
I realized that we don’t do this type of serious gathering very often, especially that most of us have already hibernated from active community service. At best, we usually do it more during our past meetings. Or we would gather as a group then for funs and celebrations. Now, this is different, because some things have to be deliberately done differently for a different kind of person and for a different reason. It is uniquely different because this is for Edgar!
Out there, Edgar was Wasing, just like that, simply like that. However, Kapitan Wasing left an impression upon us a different aura or personality. In our past meetings, whenever Wasing was around, whenever Wasing talked, almost always he had an influence upon us – how we decide, what were our decisions, individually or in group. Why, indeed? Was it because he was a barangay captain for some time? But position alone does not make a person a leader. Title may give some authority, but not influence. Influence comes from the person; it must be earned. Wasing had earned it.
Individually and separately, we could have come to pay our last respect and mourn with the family. But the influence of Wasing; our respect for Wasing, impelled us once more, gathered around him, as a group, not any more for fun, but a celebration - homegoing celebration . Wasing is now “going home” -- to the eternal home prepared by our Creator.
What is it that we remember when we think of Edgar? We all agree, I suppose, foremost, was his sense of humor. I was amused of his green jokes. But what made me laugh was the manner or how he shares a news: almost always accompanied by his both hands in rhythmic actions, as if a conductor of an orchestra; then, instantly, concluded by his brand of crispy laughs, as if overdosed by a pale of water, and suffers a choke or suffocated. Then, he would roll the sleeves of his shirts, as if parading some bulging muscles, which fortunately he has some and quite sexy ones.
He was fond of joining in socio-cultural and religious events. I observed that he was almost present as principal character of many entertainment presentations: be it in the plaza during fiestas, cultural shows of church, civic groups, community and schools, or even necrological services here and there, playing the guitar, with the dominant voice. Try to collect some videos or pictures of those events, most likely Wasing was there, singing, holding one of the microphones or playing the guitar.
We appreciated his courage and dedication when he played the character of Jesus in The Passion of Jesus Christ presentation in one of our Semana Santa observance. People claimed it was a very good portrayal. The people of San Roque were so gratified and appreciated him, and so he won as their barangay captain, rightfully. What came next was for San Roque to have a "father" who served them well for more than a decade.
His life was also spiced with some colorful happenings, we know that. He was just jolly-good-fellow, so to speak. Whenever there was a group of people and Wasing was there, be assured it would be lively interaction. I plead guilty: Sometimes, not all the times, I was part of some of those group “nocturnal adventures”, which, understandably, had caused some concerns of his family. They were just mere adventures anyway.
He was so considerate and helpful, especially for those who are in need. He drives his car, bring patients, victims, at any time of the day for assistance. But he can do only as much as he can; so he believes every civic-spirited constituents must likewise share. Thus, he established the Saranay, Inc., a non-profit organization, the primary purpose of which is to re-establish the value of cooperation and sharing among residents of San Roque. Together with Kapitan Charles, we registered it with the Securities & Exchange Commissions. I hope the organization still exist or continue to exist, as another legacy of Wasing. His virtue of being helpful was most certainly influenced by his loving wife, Auntie Amy, a certified social worker, our Social Welfare Officer.
I was a witness how persistent he was in improving farm-to-market roads in the middle of those farmlands, even if he was not a farmer. He initiated the donation of a portion of a road just to establish a San Roque Barangay Hall. He caused the establishment of the Day Care Center, and such others he managed to do by leading his barangaymates.
I dare say again: Paoay missed the opportunity to be served by one Edgar Rico as a supposed Sangguniang Bayan member. He has no ulterior motive except to serve. He attempted it, but the electorates were confused. Uncle Rene, his brother, advised him not to attempt anymore. Persistent as he was, he tried for the second time. But the electorates did not learned some lessons; they were confused even more. What else can we say: If there is a pattern of confusions among the people, such is a symptom of retrogression, if not exploitation; no human re-engineering, no human infrastructure.
We had had few, minor differences too in perspectives with Kapitan Wasing, politics or otherwise. But he always found his way to talk. At one point, together with SBM Umeng then, he was convincing me then to reconsider my decisions in order to maintain so-called unity. I explained: “It has been said that Unity is not synonymous with Uniformity. Definitely, we are united in purpose towards progress, but it does not follow that we are uniform in approach all the time, because, after all, we are all separate individuals”. He tightly hugged me, and laughed aloud. From that moment, I was so sure that respect reigned between us, both in good times and in adversity.
What happened to Kapitan Wasing was an instant. I would say he was surprised. So, he had to recuse himself, in solitude with his family, because sooner than soon, he might be called to “go home”. Anytime. And it happened.
True, some among us were not able to see and talk to him lately, especially when we heard of the news about his problematic health. . But we have been with him not a year, 2 years, 3 years ago? We have been friends and trusted allies, we were classmates, we were “glassmates”, for more than a decade or 2 already, wasn’t it? Moreover, we must be comforted of the fact that we look forward to that glorious day when we will see him again, smiling, or with those crispy laugh. There, all weariness gone, simply because we are all at “home”, our “eternal home”, prepared by the Almighty Father for us. It has been said, “at death, you won’t leave home – you’ll go home.”
As Kapitan Wasing goes his way “home”, we are left behind. May God bless Edgar Rico and the barangay he loved and served well.
Adios, Kapitan Edgar! Adios, Uncle Wasing! Adios, “classmate”! Adios, “glassmate”!
