The city government officials and employees yesterday morning took time to pay their last respects to the former city social welfare and development officer Francisco Barredo, who succumbed to cancer last week. He was 72.

The flag was flown at half-staff while the necrological service was ongoing at City Hall where Barredo’s body was brought prior to interment in the afternoon.

Barredo, who had served the city government from 1977 to 2012, was survived by his wife Pacita, son Benjie, daughter Rowena, in-laws and grandchildren.

Fondly called by his friends as Kit, Barredo was a former teacher and an active scout master, having served the city government in various positions under different administrations—from Mayor Joaquin Enriquez to Mayor Atilano, Mayor Cesar Climaco, Mayor Many Dalipe, Mayor Varela, Mayor Rini Climaco, Mayor Vitaliano Agan, Mayor Efren Arañez, Mayor Erbie Fabian, Mayor Caling Lobregat and Mayor Celso Lobregat.

During the necrological services, Barredo’s longtime colleagues as department heads of the city government took to the podium and gave their testimonies on his life as public servant and a friend. They were former city health officer Dr. Rodel Agbulos, City Accountant Sylvia Binarao, retired city agriculturist Diosdado Palacta, and former congressman of District 1 Celso Lobregat.

Acting Mayor Rommel Agan presented the Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution, expressing the August Body’s deepest sympathies and condolences to the bereaved family.

In her eulogy, Binarao described Barredo as a jolly fellow, a joker with a carefree attitude, easy to deal with and never was there a dull moment with him around. For his part, Lobregat recalled the good services Barredo had given to city government, having received various awards and recognitions for his exemplary performance in the delivery of social services and infrastructures. (Vic Larato)