The flag flew at half mast at the Provincial Capitol of Davao Oriental in Mati City on Thursday as hundreds of employees, some wearing black, went to work on somber mood. The color pink also flooded social media.
The Province of Davao Oriental is mourning the death of Governor Corazon “Cora” Nuñez-Malanyaon who passed passed away on June 28, 2023. She was 73.
Provincial Information Officer Karen Deloso told Edge Davao described the atmosphere as “very sad.”
“Sad kaayo. Mingaw kaayo diri. Some employees wore black to work today,” said Deloso.
Most employees and supporters of the late governor also changed their profile photos on social media to pink which was Malanyaon’s signature color.
The charismatic provincial governor was reported to have passed away at 3:50pm on Wednesday. She was brought to a Davao City hospital after complaining of difficulty of breathing in an event in Pintatagan in Davao Oriental
Her former vice governor and now the province’s new governor based on succession, Niño Sotero Uy announced through a live video message the passing of Malanyaon as confirmed by her daughter. However, did not give details on the cause of death.
“Naghatud kanamong tanan sa grabe nga kasubo. Si Governor Cora adunay special na lugar sa mga kasing kasing sa katawhan sa Davao Oriental ug ang iyahang pagkawala gibati pag-ayo sa tanan nga nagmahal kaniya,” Uy said.
He said Malanyaon has dedicated her life to serving the province and its people. He said her innumerable good deeds and unwavering service to the people of Davao Oriental showed the character of a true leader.
“Siya walay kakapoy nga nagtrabaho aron mahimo ang Davao Oriental nga mas maayong lugar, kanunay nga gihunahuna pag-una ang mga panginahanglan sa iyahang katawhan sa ngalan sa tinud-anay nga pag panerbisyo nga adunay kasingkasing,” he said.
Uy also urged the people of Davao Oriental to remember the goodness and love of their former governor. He said even though she is no longer with them physically, her good example and generosity will remain in their hearts forever.
“Ang probinsiya sa Davao Oriental ug ang pamilya ni Gov. Cora Malanyaon, maghatud gihapon ninyo ug mga impormasyon ug detalye ug nagpahinubsanon kami naghangyo nga ipadayon natong tanan ang pagtanyag ug pag-ampo kaniya samtang nagsubo kita sa iyahang pagkawala. Niining tanan kami nagahangyo nga kita magpadayon sa kinasing kasing nga pag ampo ngadto sa atong kahitas-an alang alang sa pagkawala sa atong pinalanggang gobernador Cora Malanyaon. Gihangyo namo ang pagsabot sa pribasiya sa pamilya sa ilang pagsagubang niining pagsulay,” he said.
Malanyaon is survived by her husband Luis Jr. and daughter Michelle Malanyaon Centeno.
Deloso said Malanyaon’s remains will be brought to the Provincial Capitol on July 2-3 and in her hometown in Cateel on July 4-6. She will be laid to rest in Davao City on July 7. No further details of the interment were released.
Despite the grief across all government offices at the Provincial Capitol, Deloso said one of Malanyaon’s wishes is to bring happiness to the people. The festivities lined up for the celebration of the province’s founding anniversary on July 1 will push through.
“Naa gihapon simple kalingawan and push the fireworks as tribute for gov.. kay mao jud iya habilin kana malingaw ang mga tao,” Deloso said. “Even on her deathbed tao gihapon iya ginahuna huna.”
Meanwhile, regional director Alex Roldan of the Department of Interior and Local Government 11 (DILG 11) said upon confirming the passing of the governor, the vice governor will automatically assume the position so as not to allow gap or hiatus in governance.
“Dapat automatic ang succession because we cannot allow na naay gap or hiatus sa governance, 24/7 ni siya dapat. Once ma-confirm na dunay permanent vacancy automatically dapat mu-assume ang next in line sa position to continue the functioning of the government,” Roldan explained to Edge Davao.
Based on Section 44 of the Local Government Code of 1991: if a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the governor or mayor, the vice-governor or vice-mayor concerned shall become the governor or mayor.
If a permanent vacancy occurs in the offices of the governor, vice-governor, mayor, or vice-mayor, the highest ranking Sanggunian member or, in case of his permanent inability, the second highest ranking Sanggunian member, shall become the governor, vice-governor, mayor, or vice-mayor, as the case may be.
Malanyaon was born on August 22, 1949 in Barangay Taytayan in the Davao Oriental town of Cateel.
A public accountant and lawyer, Malanyaon first entered politics as a member of the Davao City Council from 1986 to 1987, and again from 1988 to 1992.
Before she was elected governor, Malanyaon served as the First District representative of Davao Oriental for six years, from 2001 to 2007.
She was elected governor for three consecutive terms from 2007 to 2016.
After holding the gubernatorial position for first three terms, she ran uncontested as representative of Davao Oriental’s First District and held that position again from 2016 to 2022. She ran unopposed in the May 2022 elections as governor.
On the other hand, messages of condolences poured for the late governor, from her friends and colleagues in the provincial government.
Mati City Mayor Michelle Nakpil Rabat said she is personally grieving for Malanyaon as as the latter touched her life.
“And I know she did the same to many others who are lucky enough to know her. I, on behalf of my family and the rest of the Matinians, would like to express our gratitude to Governor Corazon Malanyaon, along with her immediate family, fellow workers in her administration, and the people of Davao Oriental. You served the people well Mam Cora til the last second of your life. And for that, we will be forever grateful,” Rabat said.
She said Malanyaon left at a time when the province is supposed to be celebrating its 56th anniversary, which made the pain of her passing all the more unbearable.
“Gov. Cora came at a time when the province badly needed a unifying leader. She was motherly, caring, and, above all, loving. Your physical being may no longer be with us, but your legacy will remain and will forever be our beacon for us to follow and emulate as good public servants. Rest well Gov. Cora, you will forever remain in our hearts and mind, til eternity,” Rabat said.
Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Secretary Leo Tereso Magno fondly called the late governor “Tita Cora” and described her as a good friend, ally, and mother figure for him.
“Today, Davao Oriental lost a great public servant who dedicated her life to serving the people. I am deeply saddened by the news of her death. I will forever be grateful for her guidance and care. May she rest in peace,” he said.
Secretary Mabel Sunga-Acosta, chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), described Malanyaon as charming, gracious, and generous.
Malanyaon was one of the active members of the MinDA Board of Directors and chairperson of the Regional Development Council (RDC) of the Davao Region.
“Ninang Gov, as I call her, was a friend of the family and a wedding sponsor during our silver wedding anniversary. In my younger years, when I was still an active media practitioner, I looked up to her as an ideal elected official way back when she was a city councilor of Davao City. Up to this moment, I look up to her as a very accomplished woman and citizen of the world,” Acosta said in her message.
She said the constituents of the Province of Davao Oriental are fortunate to have had a visionary leader like Malanyaon who has left a legacy of good governance. (Neil Bravo and Maya M. Padillo)
