The new book on the life and career of the late former governor and congressman Erico Aumentado both in and out of politics was launched in Dauis town on Thursday.
The 158-page book titled “Erico Boyles Aumentado: A Great Boholano Leader” and authored by Chronicle editor-in-chief Zoilo “Bingo” Dejaresco and Ben Cal of the Philippine News Agency was unveiled during the commemoration of the 77th birth anniversary of Aumentado at the Fortridge Pavillion.
Cabinet Sec. Leoncio Evasco Jr., Aumentado’s family led by Erico’s son Cong. Aris, and other incumbent and past government officials also attended the event.
In his speech, Evasco said that he became close with Aumentado a few years prior to the former’s election as Maribojoc mayor pointing out that the late governor urged him to run for the town mayoralty.
Evasco met Aumentado at a seminar in Davao wherein the late governor was then leading an initiative to capacitate the Bohol provincial government’s workforce through a partnership with Australia, the Cabinet secretary added.
“I saw in governor Aumentado as a public official that he was a good listener,” Evasco said. “To be a public official, you first give, and you need the capacity to listen.”
In his 45-year political career, Aumentado did not lose in a single electoral race since he became a Provincial Board member in 1967.
He became vice governor, a congressman twice and governor during his decades long stint as a public servant.
Aumentado died in 2012 while serving his first term as congressman of the second district.
Meanwhile, former governor David Tirol and Aumentado’s granddaughter Atty. Jiselle A. Villamor also delivered addresses during the event.
Other attendees during the book launch were former vice governor Julius Herrera, Tagbilaran City Mayor John Geesnell Yap, Provincial Board Members Tomas Abapo Jr and Victor Balite, and representatives from various sectors. (Rey Tutas)