Monsignor Pono dies at 69

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu clergy and the laymen community mourn over the passing of Monsignor Carlito “Lito” Pono Jr., who has drawn several people close to him because of his generosity. He was also instrumental in the preservation of Cebu’s heritage.

Pono succumbed to cardiac arrest due to complications of pneumonia last Saturday afternoon at the Cebu Doctors' University Hospital in Cebu City. He was 69.

Msgr. Ruben Labajo said Pono was a friend to everybody – to the clergy and even to the laity.

One could not help but be fascinated by the smiling priest who is very much approachable to anyone who reaches out to him that is why he is very much familiar to people especially to the parishioners where he was assigned, Labajo recalled of Pono.

More than anything else, Labajo said Pono always lends his hands to aspiring priests like seminarians and deacons. He added that the late priest was very generous that he helps not only spiritually but also financially.

Father Erik Orio was one of them. Orio looked up to Pono whom he considered a loving father and a good mentor and friend. Pono also influenced Orio much to enter the priestly calling. Pono was also active in efforts and advocacies that help preserve the heritage sites in Cebu, particularly historic churches.

Renowned iconographer Clodoveo "Louie" Nacorda said Pono was the first chairman of the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Culture and Heritage where he was also one of the former commissioners.

He recalled that Pono joined initiatives to help rehabilitate the damaged churches in southern Cebu following the earthquake in 2013. Pono was also with Nacorda as one of the commissioners of the Cebu City government’s Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC).

“I know him as a humble and pure person, without any mean bone in his body,” said Nacorda.

His wake will be at St. Peter Memorial Chapel along New Imus road in Barangay Lorega San Miguel, Cebu City until Wednesday. By Thursday morning, his remains will be transferred to Carcar City until Friday.

Then wake will be moved to his hometown in Pinamungajan on weekend where he will be buried on Monday (April 16) after a 1 p.m. at Sta. Monica Parish. (FREEMAN)