Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua died Tuesday evening at the age of 48, according to people close to him and provincial government employees.
His family and the Quirino provincial government have yet to release details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death.
Cua devoted 25 years to public service, beginning his political career in 2001 at just 23 years old when he was elected vice governor of Quirino.
He later served as provincial governor from 2007 to 2010 before becoming representative of Quirino’s lone congressional district from 2010 to 2019. He returned to the governor’s post in 2019 and remained in office until his death.
Cua was also holding several leadership positions in local government organizations at the time of his passing. He served as national president of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), chairperson of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), and president of United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC).
Under the rules of succession, Vice Governor Jojo Vaquilar is expected to assume the governorship, while first-ranked Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Lilybeth Yogyog will succeed as vice governor.
SPEAKER DY PAYS TRIBUTE
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III expressed grief over Cua’s death, describing the late governor as a fellow Ilocano public servant from the Cagayan Valley.
In a statement Wednesday, September 16, Dy recalled Cua’s dedication to improving the lives of people in Quirino and his commitment to public service.
“Hindi lamang isang mahusay at dedikadong lingkod-bayan si Gov. Dax. Bilang kapwa-Ilokano at kasamang nagsisilbi sa Cagayan Valley, nakita ko ang kanyang malasakit sa Quirino at ang kanyang pagsisikap na maiangat ang buhay ng mga pamilyang kanyang pinaglilingkuran,” Dy said.
Dy also highlighted Cua’s role as an advocate for local governments and his belief that local government units could play a meaningful role in community and national development.
“For those of us who knew and worked with Dax, we mourn more than the loss of a leader. We mourn a colleague and a kailian whose commitment to public service touched so many lives,” the Speaker said.
He extended his condolences to Cua’s family, including his father, former Quirino Rep. Junie Cua, and his wife, Quirino Rep. Midy N. Cua.
“Walang mga salita ang sapat sa ganitong uri ng pagkawala. Kasama ninyo kami sa pagdadalamhati at sa pagpupugay sa buhay ng isang mabuting anak, asawa, ama, kaibigan, at lingkod-bayan,” Dy said.
Dy likewise condoled with the people of Quirino, saying the province had lost a leader who spent much of his life serving its residents.
“Agyaman kami, Gov. Dax, Your work is done, but your service will not be forgotten,” Dy said.
The House of Representatives also mourned Cua’s passing in a social media post, recalling his service as Quirino’s lone district representative during the 15th, 16th and 17th Congresses.
The chamber cited his dedication to Quirino and his work in promoting stronger local governance in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific region.
“May he rest in peace,” the House said.