UNEP Bids Farewell to Hon. Manny Alfelor

On May 23, 2011, the whole Rinconada community, the management and staff of the University of Northeastern Philipines (UNEP), his teaching staff and faculty at the Felix O. Alfelor Sr. Foundation College in Sipocot , his friends, political allies, family members and loved ones will say goodbye to one of the region’s well loved political icon- former Iriga City Mayor Emmanuel “Manny” Alfelor.

Surrendering to the will of God at 8:45am on May 13 at the St. Luke’s Hospital, Sir Manny, teasingly and lovingly called by allies as “kulot”, finally laid his illness to rest after he succumbed from battling with leukemia. He died at the age of 60.

Hailed as the “person of the masses”, Alfelor’s influence in the local politics, particularly in the Rinconada area has rendered his reign and governance as one of the most colorful episode in the political history. Taking the reign for three consecutive terms from 1995 to 2004 as Mayor of Iriga City , Alfelor undoubtedly contributed much development to his city.

This is a no- surprise, given the fact that he came from a long line of politicos in the area. Sir Manny is the son of Former Camarines Sur Governor Felix O. Alfelor, Sr. whose birth anniversary was recently commemorated by the university on the first week of May. Hon. Ciriaco “Boboy” Alfelor and former 4th District Felix “Nancing” Alfelor, Jr his siblings, both served the Rinconada district as its duly elected representatives in the past years.

Mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen who was popularly known for her innovative approach on governance is also his niece. Gazmen has been also cited for various accomplishments as Chief Executive of Iriga City.

Perhaps unknown to many, Sir Manny has also immersed himself in the academe, actively taking part in the family-owned educational institution. He was the President of Felix O. Alfelor Sr. Foundation College in Sipocot, Camarines Sur and a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP).

Sir Manny has introduced various programs in both schools, which the management has adopted, leading to various improvements in the academic field.

Ms. Deli Alfelor-Tibi, UNEP Executive Vice President, concurrently the university’s VP For Finance and sister of Sir Manny, stated that the family is indeed in grief in the demise of their brother.

“We find strength from the love and support that is being continuously poured on us by friends and loved ones. We grieve over our brother’s loss yet we are also relieved thinking that he is now in the safe hands of the Lord, “ Ms Del said.

Sir Manny’s last wish that he be buried inside the Alfelor’s compound will be granted by his family as they pay their final respect to him this Monday.