Ilonggos mourn passing of 4 th District's 'grand old man'

By Florence F. Hibionada 

Former mayor.  Former Assemblyman.  Former Congressman. Former Presidential Assistant to three Philippine Presidents.  A great leader.  An astute businessman.  A noble and dedicated public servant.

Narciso "Goodah" Dolar-Monfort

Such and more summed up over two decades of public service led by Iloilo's “grand old man of the Fourth District,” former Representative Narciso “Goodah” Dolar-Monfort.   

At 77, “Goodah” came full circle in a life highlighted with significant national and local bills to his credit and the indelible mark planted to the lives of thousands in and out of his district. 

After months of battling his longtime illness, Monfort succumbed Monday evening to the complications brought by Prostate Cancer.  Reports said he was surrounded by his wife Carmen Teresita and closest of family members. 

Born in May 1, 1928 at P.D. Monfort Dumangas, Iloilo, the former solon finished his elementary education in 1944 at the Dumangas Elementary School.  Secondary (high school) studies was pursued at the University of Iloilo where he graduated in 1948.  He began his pursuit for medical excellence at the University of San Agustin where he spent his pre-med days and years later, at the University of Sto. Tomas where he got his degree for Doctor of Medicine in 1956. 

He pursued higher studies where he finished his Certificate in Public Health at the University of the Philippines in 1959 and thereafter, a Diploma in Occupational and Industrial Medicine. 

“Goodah's” political career highlights include his most recent 3 terms as representative of the Fourth District beginning in 1995.  Yet he was already the official voice of the district back in 1987 to 1992.

As member of the 12 th Congress of the Philippines, Monfort occupied a seat in 15 powerful Committees in the Lower House among which are the Committee on Appropriations, Committee on Ways and Means, Committee on Public Order and Security, Committee on Ethics, Committee on Transportation and Communication and his personal choice, Committee on Health. 

It was to be his days in the Interim Batasan Pambansa in 1978 to 1987 though where he began to gain respect and reverence in the national scene.  He was also once trusted with the post as Deputy Minister of Health.  Such amidst the many years he also served as Presidential Assistant to three Presidents – former President Ramon Magsaysay, former President Carlos Garcia and former President Diosdado Macapagal. 

Unknown to many, it was this Ilonggo leader who authored 79 national bills and 55 local bills.  He also voted for important legislations such as R.A. 9160, the anti-money laundering act, R.A. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, R.A. 9189, the Overseas Absentee Voting Act and R.A. 9208, the anti-trafficking of persons Act. 

To his credit, Monfort authored the Act declaring Earth Day every April 22.  It was also his initiative to ban smoking in banned in public transport and buildings.  Same initiative that got this country the Act that prohibits glorification of guns and violence in movies, television, radio and print media.  He was also behind the national identification system and the Act prohibiting detention of the dead in hospitals and medical clinics due to non-payment of bills and medical expenses. 

On the business side, ‘Goodah' had official interests declared in about 26 companies and foundations where he mostly served as president. 

“This is the day of mourning for the Ilonggos because of the passing of this great, grand old man of the Fourth District,” Vice Governor Roberto Armada said in a privilege speech Tuesday.  “As a politician, he taught me not to make enemies but to keep my friends and make new ones.” 

Dumangas Mayor Rolly Distura for his part, fondly remembers the former solon, not only as his uncle but as his father in local politics. 

“A very determined man who will not stop until he realizes the projects for the people,” the mayor said of the former solon. 

International balladeer Aris Demavivas echoes the same sentiments as he called on the Ilonggos to remember “Goodah's” greatness not only as a public servant but as a family man whose concern went beyond the immediate confines of his own home.

The Iloilo City Council for its part also expressed condolences for the demise of the former solon.

In a resolution sponsored by Councilor Armand Parcon the council recognized the works of Monfort not only in the city but at the same time in the province of Iloilo. (With a report from Maricar Calubiran)