Reyna, one of founding fathers of Dagupan, dies

DAGUPAN City mourns the demise of one of its founding fathers, former Mayor Liberato Ll. Reyna Sr. who passed away on July 1 at the age of 94 due to lingering illness.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod on July 4 passed a resolution conveying its deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of the Reyna patriarch who served as mayor for three terms, including his stint as officer-in-charge of Dagupan when former President Corazon C. Aquino came to power following the Edsa revolution.

Reyna’s two grandchildren, Karlos Liberato Reyna IV and Ma. Librada Reyna, are both on their second terms as members of the SP.

The Reyna patriarch also once served as a councilor of Dagupan as a town, prior to its cityhood.

A lawyer, Reyna is remembered in Dagupan’s history as the first elected and re-elected mayor of the city in the late 50s and early 60s.

He first served as mayor for two terms, then was appointed as Dagupan’s officer-in-charge by Aquino.

Having served as the steward of the city during one of the nation’s turbulent times, Reyna was chosen by the people of Dagupan to lead them anew.

In extolling the late mayor, 4th District Representative Gina de Venecia said the Reyna patriarch represented the best spirits of the Dagupeños — love of country, intelligence, compassion, and an abiding desire to make Dagupan a city of greater freedom and prosperity.

In 1947, he was one of the pioneers in the field of education who helped Dr. Luis Samson Sr. in establishing the Luzon Colleges, now known as University of Luzon.

Reyna is survived by his children Teresita, Lito, Liberato Jr., Ramon and Cesar. His third son Jesus, a doctor, died in a car accident with some other members of his family in the early 80s.

Mayor Benjamin Lim has ordered the display of Philippine flags at half-mast in all city government institutions and buildings starting last Friday.

During last Monday’s flag raising ceremony, Lim led a moment of silence and prayer for the departed former mayor.
The city government will formally honor Reyna in brief ceremonies when the casket is brought to the city hall before the interment.

Source: “Reyna, one of founding fathers of Dagupan, dies”, Sunday Punch, 7/10/22