In a solemn tribute, the provincial government of Albay has mandated that the Philippine flag be flown at half-mast across all government offices in the province. This directive comes in honor of the late First District Representative Edcel Lagman Sr., who died at the age of 82 on Thursday afternoon. Acting Governor Glenda Bongao issued Executive Order No. 10 on Friday, January 31, 2025, to facilitate this gesture of mourning and respect for Lagman’s extensive service to the nation and the people of Albay.
The order specifies that the flag should remain at half-mast in all public spaces and government offices throughout Albay until February 7, 2025. Lagman, a dedicated public servant, represented Albay in Congress for a total of 29 years across multiple terms from 1987 to 1998, 2004 to 2013, and 2016 to 2025. His educational background includes a cum laude Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962 and a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1966, both from the University of the Philippines.
Throughout his career, Lagman was instrumental in the passage of several significant pieces of legislation. He authored the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health law (RA 10454), the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform law (RA 6657), and the Abolition of the Death Penalty (RA 9346). His contributions to human rights legislation are notable, including laws on compensation for martial law victims, criminalization of enforced disappearance, and the Anti-Torture Act. Additionally, he was the principal author of the Prevention of Child Marriage law and proposed progressive bills such as the reinstitution of absolute divorce and measures to prevent teenage pregnancy.
Lagman’s commitment to human rights and social justice was recognized in 2022 when he was named the Most Outstanding Alumnus by the UP Alumni Association. Until his death, he served as the president of the Liberal Party, continuing his legacy of leadership and advocacy.