Filipinos in
Toronto mourn Roco’s death
By Romeo Ayson Zetazate
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA -Filipinos throughout Toronto and other
parts of the province of Ontario mourned the death of former
Senator and Education Secretary Raul S. Roco.
Last Saturday and Sunday (August 6 and August 7), memorial masses
were offered by Filipinos for and on his behalf.
During the memorial Mass (Saturday and Sunday) August 6 and August
7, the late former Senator Roco was mentioned in all Masses in the
5:00 p.m., Saturday; and Sundays, 8:00 a.m.; 9:00 a.m.; 10:30 a.m
; 12:00 noon; 5:00 p.m.; and 9:00 p.m. The Mass was officiated by
Fr. Anthony Anh.
On the memorial Mass also Sunday, August 7, Fr. Jose Pena, parish
priest of Brampton and a native of the province of Catanduanes,
officiated in the 2:30 p.m. mass held at the social hall of 240
Wellesley East.
At 4:00 p.m. Fr. Ariel Dimaranan presided over the San Lorenzo
Ruiz parishioners in offering songs, praises, and prayer worship
to former Senator Roco.
In the eulogy portion, Journalist Ricky Caluen sent his own which
was read by fellow journalist Jojo Taduran saying that in 1992
when the late Senator Roco was the guest of honor of the Boholanos
convention in Iligan City he has already seen in him (Roco) his
future aspiration for the highest elective position in the
Philippines. Caluen said Mr. Roco has already exhibited a
seriousness of purpose, speaking of government that was truly
attuned to the needs of the country and of political leaders whose
personal interests are subordinated to that of the national good.
He added that if fate has been on the side of Senator Roco, he
would have proven to be the most enlightened president.
Leon J. Aureus, Jr., a fellow Atenean from Naga City, spoke on the
public and private life of former Senator Roco which can serve as
model amongst the young Filipinos because of his idealism,
principle, hardwork, and honesty.
Willie Nabus, president of Silayan Community Center, said that the
death of former Senator Roco is not only a big loss to his family
but more so to the Filipino people and the country.
