SAN ISIDRO, Nueva Ecija – “It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dearly loved, Papa/Lolo Gov. Tomas N. Joson III.“
So announced former Nueva Ecija Vice Gov. Edward Thomas Joson on the passing of his father on Thursday afternoon, July 23.
There was no mention about the cause of the former governor’s death but he reportedly had prostate condition.
The former governor, fondly called by people of Nueva Ecija as “Gov Tommy,” was the eldest son of former guerilla officer and late Gov. Eduardo “Tatang” Joson of Quezon town.
Gov Tommy, 72, started his political career as member of the sangguniang panlalawigan in 1980, became vice governor until his election as Nueva Ecija’s chief executive from 1992-1995 and 1998-2007.
As governor for 12 years, he waged the “Nueva Ecija 2000” which embraced holistic program on infrastructure (roads, bridges and classrooms), as well as agriculture by establishing the Nueva Ecija Fruits and Vegetable Seed Center, and Greenhouse loaning program among others.
Former provincial tourism officer Annaliza Eugenio said Gov Tommy also advanced farmers empowerment aligned with promoting nutrition that included the establishment of the Nueva Ecija Federation of Dairy Carabao Cooperative “that boosted the dairy industry in the province.”
This, Eugenio said, became the provincial government’s machinery in fighting malnutrition through a milk feeding program.
Aside from the formation of various farmers organizations and cooperatives, Gov Tommy initiated backyard tilapia production and a housing program for farmers called “Pabahay sa Magsasaka,” Eugenio added.
In his last years in office, Gov Tommy transferred the seat of government to Palayan City with the vision of making the province’s capital the sports and cultural haven with the construction of state-of-the-art sports complex, the Nueva Ecija Convention Center, the Eduardo L. Joson Memorial College, and dormitory for provincial scholars.
He also established the provincial dialysis center, eye center, and mobile community health units to provide affordable medical services.
“In his 12 years as the father of the Province, he touched many lives, held many hands and lent not only his ears but also his heart to bring the best in every citizen of this province,” Eugenio said.
“Kinikilala ng Kapitolyo ang kanyang malaking ambag sa serbisyo publiko, at ginugunita ang mga mabubuting ala-ala ng kanyang liderato sa buong Lalawigan,” said the provincial government in a statement, saying that Gov. Aurelio Umali ordered the Philippine flag flown at half-mast at the Capitol grounds for 40 days.
The former vice governor said his father’s wake will be at the JF Resort in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija and interment will be at Loyola Marikina on July 29.
Schedule of wake is follows:
*July 24 – Family only
*July 25-28 – Open to the public, following the strict guidelines of the IATF on necrological or funeral rites
*July 29 — Interment
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we sincerely understand if you will not be able to physically join us to attend the necrological service. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time,” Joson said.
