THE House of Representatives has paid tribute to the late Batanes Rep. Ciriaco “Jun” B. Gato Jr., recognizing his decades of service as a physician, lawmaker and public servant dedicated to the welfare of his fellow Ivatans and the advancement of healthcare. Through House Resolution No. 1470, introduced by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos and Minority Leader Marcelino C. Libanan, the House expressed its condolences to Gato’s family following his death on September 21 at the age of 66.
The resolution, adopted Tuesday evening, honored Gato’s service as Batanes’ lone district representative for three consecutive Congresses. He served as chairperson of the House Committee on Health and vice chairperson of the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle Committee, while also sitting on several key committees. His legislative work covered healthcare regulation, hospital infrastructure, maternal and child health, emergency response, blood service modernization and patient safety.
Among the laws he authored or co-authored were Republic Act No. 12290, or the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines Act, and RA 11472, which increased the bed capacity of the CARAGA Regional Hospital in Surigao City from 150 to 500 beds. Before entering politics, Gato practiced as an otolaryngologist in public and private hospitals and conducted medical missions across Batanes.
A native of Sabtang, Batanes, Gato was a valedictorian in elementary and high school. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the East and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Jade Oliva Soledad Bañez Gato, and daughters Dr. Patricia Gato Suzaro and Atty. Georgina Mia B. Gato. The House formally conveyed its condolences to his family and directed that a copy of the resolution be furnished to his relatives.
About the Author
