Zamboanga Sibugay founding father passes away at 80

Former Congressman George Hofer, dubbed as the founding father of Zamboanga Sibugay, passed away at the age of 80 on Sunday, January 6, 2019.

Hofer's passing was confirmed by his daughter, incumbent Congresswoman Ann Hofer.

The elder Hofer served as the first governor of the province of Zamboanga Sibugay from 2011 to 2010.

Prior to this, he was Zamboanga del Sur 3rd District congressman from 1998 to 2001, and Mayor of Titay town from 1992 to 1998.

He is survived by his wife, Dulce; children Marietta, Jet & Pauline, and Rod & Ann; and grandchildren Ralph, Pava and Klaus.

His remains would lie in state at Cosmopolitan Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City from January 6 to Wednesday, January 9, 2019, after which his body would be flown to Zamboanga Sibugay on Janaury 10 to lie  in state at the GTH Compound, Kitabog, Zamboanga Sibugay until the burial on Monday, January 14, 2019.

A funeral Mass will be held at 9 a.m., on January 14 at  St. Joseph the Worker Parish Cathedral in Ipil. Interment will follow at George T. Hofer Park in Barangay Bangko, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA News