The Philippine flag in front of the Negros Occidental Capitol in Bacolod City is flying at half-mast for a Negrense historian who passed away at his home in Bacolod City on Sunday, October 30.
Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Wednesday ordered the lowering of the Philippine Flag to half-mast as a sign of mourning for Roque Puentebella Hofileña Jr. from Wednesday until Friday, November 4.
Hofileña, 83, served the province of Negros Occidental for 35 years from 1968 to 2003, retiring as Provincial Planning and Development Officer.
His daughter, Olive Hofileña Javier, said he had a bad fall after which his health deteriorated.
He was loved and respected by many in the province where he has devoted decades of service in various notable posts and assignments, including his appointment as executive director of the Negros Historical Council, which he led for 20 years and where he was awarded for exemplary service in his work as a historian, publisher, researcher and writer, she said.
Hofileña‘s cremated remains will be buried at the Rolling Hills Memorial Park at after a 10 a.m. mass Thursday.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Fylgia Hofileña, and four children – Olive Javier, George Hofileña, Donna Isidto, Brian Hofileña.
He was the youngest child of Roque G. Hofileña Sr. and Angeles B. Puentebella of Silay City.*