BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Former La Castellana Mayor Enrico Roa Elumba passed away on Monday evening, June 13. He was 68.
Elumba served as mayor of La Castellana for nine years, was reported by his nephew, Fernando Elumba, to have succumbed to cardiac arrest.
A good man passed away last night (June 13), leaving family and friends with no chance to say goodbye, former Negros Occidental Gov. Rafael Coscolluela, in his social media account, said.
Coscolluela described Elumba, who was known as ”Dok” to the people of La Castellana and his patients in the 5th District, as a trusted friend, loyal ally, a true servant leader, and an outstanding mayor.
“You served your people well, Dok. You are gone too soon, but you leave behind a legacy we will always be proud of,” he added.
Expressing his sympathy to the family of Elumba, Coscolluela said “May you find strength and comfort in knowing that he is loved, respected, and will always be remembered well.”
Before he became the local chief executive of La Castellana from 1998 to 2007, Elumba served as a surgeon in Cebu for 20 years.
He also resumed his medical profession after serving as mayor of La Castellana.
During the 2010 elections, he was the vice gubernatorial running mate of Coscolluela, when both of them were defeated in the polls.
Coscolluela said that Dr. Elumba died while being brought to a hospital after complaining of chest pain.
Representative-elect Dino Yulo (5th district, Negros Occ) said “We mourn the passing of a good friend who faithfully served his constituents for three terms (as mayor of La Castellana).”
Doki was an innovator and a trailblazer during his time, notable amongst which is the now world renown “Bailes de Luces”, Yulo said.
“Your memory will forever be etched not only in our minds but also in our hearts,” he further said.
Fernando “Nonoy” Elumba, in his Facebook account, also described his uncle as the best mayor he had known, a mentor in good governance, and a great doctor.
Thank you for all the love, good deeds and ideals you have imparted on me. You will be forever missed. Love you, he said.*
