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Argao, Cebu: The late Press Secretary Cerge Remonde was laid to rest here, in his hometown, thus closing the final chapter of the storied career of a poor country boy who achieved his dreams through hard work, perseverance, and, most of all, faith in God.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo joined Marit Remonde, nee Stinus of Denmark, family members, friends, provincial and town officials, and people of all walks of life in the funereal march to the public cemetery Sunday afternoon.

Interment took place after the 12:30 p.m. mass at the St. Michael Archangel, a church built in the 15th century.

The late Press secretary had been given full military honors and welcomed to the church with the tolling of the bells. He was earlier conferred the rank of lieutenant colonel in the reserve force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The officiating priest, Msgr. Cris Garcia, recalled that for the past 20 years, he and Remonde had ridden the galleon float together in the procession on the eve of the feast of the Señor Sto. Nino de Cebu.

According to the priest, he could observe the man’s devotion and strong faith in God as he intently prayed every time.

At the mass, Mrs. Remonde spoke to tell her husband’s townmates and friends that the man she met and married 17 years ago, "was then broke but had strong conviction to attain his dreams."

“And he shared his dreams with me. I know Cerge was able to live all those dreams. Whenever he went, whatever he did, whatever conviction he held, he always did it differently than anybody else. He always made an impact. He always touched more lives than anybody else,” the widow said.

For his part, Hemres Alburo, thanked the public for the outpouring of love and support and the President for trusting his half-brother enough to make him a member of her Cabinet.

Among those present at the mass and interment were Trade Secretary Peter Favila, Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, and Cebu officials led by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Cebu congressmen and Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos.

It was Gen. Victor Ibrado, AFP chief of staff, who entered the name of the deceased in the roster of reserve officers in ceremonies held at the President Diosdado Macapagal Sports Complex.

The long line of people coming to view the body had to give way temporarily to the conferment rites.

Mrs. Remonde and Alburo received the uniform and insignia.

At the necrological rites on Saturday night, Mayor Edcel Galeos, a childhood friend, said “the people of Argao will always remember Cerge as a humble and hardworking man who did not let poverty get in the way.”

His father, Teofilo, was a bus conductor who died when he was an 11-month-old baby. His mother Florencia, who died last year, was a market vendor.

“Although the people of Argao are in deep mourning, they at the same time are celebrating the wonderful and exemplary life of Cerge, who serves as a beacon of hope to future generations,” Galeos said.

The 200 students who received scholarships through the intercession of the late press secretary promised to work just as hard to finish their college courses.

“Your success is our inspiration,” said Rebekah Navales, one of the students. (PNA)

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