Solons pay tribute to Barzaga for his 'integrity, dedication'

The House of Representatives on Monday adopted House Resolution 1691 mourning the death of Dasmariñas City lawmaker Elpidio Barzaga, Jr.

The 74-year-old Barzaga, who died last April 27 in the United States after complications from a heart surgery, was survived by his wife, Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer Austria-Barzaga, and sons Francisco, Elpidio III, and Lorenzo.

“Honorable Barzaga’s relentless pursuit of justice and his compassion for those in need earned him the respect and admiration of both his colleagues in the House of Representatives and his constituents in Dasmariñas City, and he will always be remembered for inspiring those in the government service with his integrity, kindness, and dedication to serve the people,” the resolution read.

It was authored by led by House Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez.

Following its adoption, the House adjourned early as a gesture of respect for the late lawmaker.

Barzaga was born March 25, 1950, in Dasmariñas City and was a certified public accountant and lawyer.

He completed his primary education at Dasmariñas Elementary School in 1962, graduating as valedictorian, and finished his secondary education at the Immaculate Conception Academy in 1966, also as valedictorian.

Barzaga then earned his Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Accounting degree at San Beda College in 1970, graduating cum laude. He later graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Laws from the Far Eastern University (FEU) in 1975 as a magna cum laude.

Before entering public service, he had a successful career as a practicing CPA lawyer from 1976 to 1996. He also served as a law professor at FEU from 1976 to 1992 and pre-bar reviewer in Civil Law from 1983 to 1992.

Barzaga was elected mayor in then Municipality of Dasmariñas in 1998 and held the post until 2007.

He then represented the second legislative district of Cavite during the 14th Congress (2007 to 2010) and the lone district of the City of Dasmariñas during the 15th (2010 to 2013) and 16th (2013 to 2016) Congresses.

He subsequently served as the City Mayor of Dasmariñas City from 2016 to 2019 and again as Representative of the City of Dasmariñas during the 18th Congress (2019 to 2022) up to the present 19th Congress.—LDF, GMA Integrated News

Barzaga’s bills that later became laws include Republic Act (RA) No. 11984 or the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act and RA 9723 or An Act Converting the Municipality of Dasmariñas in the Province of Cavite into a Component City to be Known as the City of Dasmariñas.