NAGA CITY, July 10 (PIA)—In a solemn farewell rites held Wednesday, July 8 at the Heritage Memorial Park, Fort Bonifacio, family members, loved ones, closest friends and constituents bid their last farewell to Camarines Sur 1st District Representative, Congresswoman Marissa Mercado-Andaya.

Andaya died on July 5, Sunday after her long battle with cancer. She was 51.

Ex Congressman Rolando “Nonoy” Andaya, hours after his wife died, posted a touching message on his Facebook account, confirming the sad news that his beloved wife has joined the Creator.

“The love of my life has passed on into eternal life. Her people lost their leader, our children their caring mother, and I, my best friend. Marissa was a cancer warrior, staving off the ravages of that cruel disease for seven years,” Andaya said.

Former Congressman Andaya described his wife as “Always cheerful, she never allowed her sickness infect the people around her with despair. Even at her lowest point, it was she who kept our spirits up, and never for once relinquished her role as the anchor of the family.”

The late Congressman Marissa Andaya was very active during the COVID-19 pandemic, distributing relief goods, medicine and every kind of assistance to her constituents despite her condition.

Her family embraced her passion and dedication as a public servant. It was her nature to serve and inspire others.

Her son, Ranton recalled then, how inseparable he was with his mom.

“My Mom was my first bestfriend, we are always with each other all the time. She showed me different places. She taught me to be respectful and humble. I would give up anything just to have here with me. Ma, I always miss you. I’m always thinking about you. Please watch over me,” Ranton uttered emotionally during the congresswoman’s farewell rites.

Gail Bedales, one of Cong. Marissa’s bestfriend reminisced how her friend would protect her when they were in college.

“ I have a beautiful friendship with Marissa. She’s one of the very few who has the wisdom about anything. She was my bestfriend, a part of my life. Her life was always in public service, that for me, it didn’t require an office. She is always willing to help. She did an unrelenting service to her constituents despite the fact that she was a cancer survivor,” she recalled.

Former Cong. Rolando Andaya narrated that they only knew that the fatal cancer virus has returned and has again invaded his wife’s body this June.

“She reluctantly returned to Manila on the first week of June for her scheduled medical check-up. It was there that we learned that her nemesis has returned with a vengeance.”

On the night that her wife died, she was surrounded by her loving family.  

“Tonight, surrounded by her loved ones , her beautiful heart gave up. I am blessed to have spent half of my life – twenty five happy years – with this wonderful woman with a generous spirit and compassionate heart who was devoted to her family, her faith, her oath, and her fellowmen.”

The late congresswoman authored several bills: House Bill 6102 filed on Jan. 29, 2020 but remains pending at Committee on Basic Education and Culture– an act establishing special education (SPED) centers in all public schools in the country; and HBO6104, an act institutionalizing the Unang Yakap Campaign, adopting the protocol on essential newborn care. This too, remains pending with the Committee on Health. (LSMacatangay-PIAV/Camarines Sur)