ORMOC CITY – House Bill (HB) No. 8944, also known as an act naming the road commencing in Barangay Libertad at junction Ormoc-Merida national road traversing barangays Libertad, Salvacion, and Dayhagan at junction Ormoc-Carigara-Palo national road as the Mayong Rodriquez Avenue, has been endorsed by Leyte 4th District Representative Richard I. Gomez to the House of Representatives during the regular session of the Nineteenth Congress in Quezon City.
The letter channeled by Gomez emphasized that, as a true Ormocanon, it is but fitting that one of the new roads in the city should be named in honor of the late Dr. Mario “Mayong” Mejia Rodriguez. Accordingly, Dr. Rodriguez was a missionary disguised as a doctor, a public servant, a family man, and a true Ormocanon. After graduating from the Cebu Institute of Medicine, he worked as a senior resident physician at the Ormoc District Hospital from June 1983 to November 1989. Thereafter, he accepted the invitation to head the Ormoc Sugarcane Planters’ Association Farmers Medical Center (OSPA-FMC), which to this day remains as one of the leading medical institutions in Ormoc City.
He dedicated 19 years of his life as a Medical Director, submitting his resignation in 2008, a few years short of the mandatory age for retirement. He sustained his linkages with the two organizations that were close to his heart. Dr. Rodriguez continued his private medical practice as a pediatrician in OSPA-FMC and, at the same time, served as National Missions Director for the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP).
During his lifetime, he volunteered to the different non-government organizations and foundations, wherein he carried out his diverse capacities at the Lions Club, Sanctus Vincenzus Scholarship Foundation, Saint Peter’s College Scholarship Builders, JMJ Holy Family Mission Foundation Philippines, OSPA Foundation, Saints Peter and Paul Parish Finance Council, and the Ormoc Holy Family Foundation, Inc. Moreover, Dr. Rodriguez reached the pinnacle of his life of service on June 30, 2010, after being elected as City Councilor of Ormoc City. Prior to his passing on June 24, 2019, he served three terms. While serving as City Councilor of Ormoc City, he passed numerous important ordinances, which include key ordinances vital to the health sector of the city.
Meanwhile, it will be the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) that will issue the necessary rules, orders, and circulars to implement the Act within 60 days from its effectivity, which Act shall take effect 15 days after being published in the Official Gazette or in a widely read newspaper. (By Gwen Maurillo/ EV Mail December 16-22, 2024 issue)
