MALAYBALAY CITY (BukidnonNews.net/ 26 August 2025)–Maramag councilor Atty. Abundio Gaitera passed away from lung cancer last Saturday, August 23. He was 83, just three days short of celebrating his birthday today.
In an online tribute, the councilor’s daughter Maria Estela “Misty” Gaitera wrote: “Pa, your legacy of service, love, and integrity will live on in all of us. We are proud to be your family. May you rest in peace, free from pain, and remembered always with honor.”
Misty added: “He used his knowledge and position not for personal gain, but to serve others. He believed that justice was not a privilege for the few, but a right for all. His heart was always with those in need, and he fought for them with everything he had.
“Even in his battle with lung cancer, he remained strong, dignified, and selfless — still thinking of others more than himself.”
The online tribute by the official Maramag government page reads:
“We honor Hon. Councilor Atty. Gaitera for his dedicated service and significant contributions to our municipality. His legacy of hard work and commitment will not be forgotten.”
Hundreds of mourners flooded Misty’s Facebook posts about her father.
Jeny Dacar, a former staff, wrote: “Maayong paglakaw attorney Gaitera…Salamat sa imong kamaayo kanamo imong mga trabahante.” (Have a good journey, Attorney Gaitera. Thank you for the goodness you have shown to your staff.)
Nida Palpallatoc wrote that her family mourns the councilor’s passing. She added that Gaitera had notarized their documents even when their payment wasn’t enough. “Moingon ra sya ‘kana nalang.’ Di mi makalimot sa kaayo ni Atty…” (He just said, ‘this one would do’. We will never forget his goodness.)
Another constituent, Quenie Tinam-isan wrote that she is still in disbelief. “Di mi katuo nga wala naka. Grabi pa baya nimo kalingaw atong election…Daghan mga tawo mingawon ka nimo, wad. Daghan salamat sa imong serbisyo sa katawhan.”
(We still can’t believe it. He was still so active during the elections. There are so many of us who will miss you, Councilor. Thank you so much for your service to the people.)
Born on August 26, 1941, Atty. Gaitera hails from Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental. He had been a lawyer since April 21, 1978.
In his Maramag law office, he had offered free consultation and Php 150-worth of notary services.
At the Maramag Council, he chaired the committees on Justice and Human Rights and Land Management and Titling and sat in the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.