BY: VANESSA BUGTONG

Family, friends, and supporters of former Tuba Mayor and Benguet Provincial Board Member Florencio Bentrez gathered to honor his life and contributions following his passing.

Bentrez was described as a principled leader and a devoted father. His daughter, Dr. Florilyn Joyce Bentrez-Cabanilla, shared her grief, recalling how her father battled complications with his lungs and kidneys. Despite medical interventions, he chose to spend his remaining days at home with his loved ones.

“He was very strong and vocal, especially when fighting against oppression,” she said. His family also remembered him as someone who never wavered in his service to the people of Benguet. His wife, Marcelina Bentrez, recalled how he continued to prioritize their family even while undergoing dialysis.

Bentrez’s political career began in 1998 when he was elected vice mayor of Tuba. He served as mayor from 2007 to 2016 and later as a board member of the Benguet Provincial Board. He also played a key role in the Mayor’s League of Benguet as vice president from 2013 to 2016. Throughout his career, he helped many, particularly miners, by winning legal battles on their behalf.

He passed away on March 18 at the age of 67. A two-day wake was held at their home in Tuba, Benguet, before his remains were brought to the municipal hall and Benguet Capitol in La Trinidad. His final resting place will be in Bentre Cemetery, Burgos, La Union, on March 24.