‘People Power’ Governor of DavOr dies at 89

Mati, Davao Oriental — Josefina “Inday” Cunanan-Sibala, who was appointed governor of Davao Oriental by the late former President Corazon Aquino, passed away on last month due to old age (89), according to her family and friends.

When Corazon Aquino assumed presidency after a successful People Power revolution, she appointed Sibala as OIC governor of the province of Davao Oriental from March 25, 1986 to 1987. Antonio Olmedo was appointed OIC vice governor on the same year. Governor Sibala was one of the “fearless leaders” in Davao Oriental who actively organized the anti-Marcos protests in the province, according to former Mayor Pedro Mejos of Banaybanay town, who is one of Sibala’s few remaining contemporaries.

Hundreds of people including government employees attended the necrological rites for Sibala held on March 2 at the Provincial Capitol. “As a dedicated public servant, she (Governor Sibala) knew all too well that to live is to love and to love is to serve. Today, we remember Governor Inday Sibala, a gentle and an intelligent woman of ultimate kindness, a gem of a public servant, and a leader who let her many achievements speak for themselves,” said Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang at the necrological rites.

An educator by profession, Governor Sibala was one of the most influential figures in the political history of Davao Oriental. Before joining politics, she served as president of the Davao Oriental Girl Scout Council for twelve years. And she became the first female member of the Davao Oriental provincial board. Both incumbent and former local government officials, including personalities who belonged to the highly influential old-rich families in the province have took turns to deliver their eulogies for Sibala. “Maam Inday, we will always commit to memory your name Inday, a legacy of compassion and toughness. Tough times never last, but tough people do. This is you, Maam Inday,” proclaimed Vice Governor Nino Uy. (Ferdinand Zuasola)