Rep. Hagedorn passes away, 77; Solons mourn

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan—Edward S. Hagedorn, Palawan 3rd District congressman and former mayor of Puerto Princesa City, died on Tuesday, nine days before his 77th birthday on Oct. 12.

His death was announced by his family on his Facebook page.

“With heavy hearts, we inform you of the passing of a beloved friend, brother, husband, father, and public servant, Edward Solon Hagedorn. Our dear congressman died peacefully on October 3rd, 2023, after 76 years of shining his light into the world,” the family said in a statement.

Hagedorn was known for his accomplishments in the fields of environmental conservation and tourism during his public service career.

During his entire service as a mayor, Puerto Princesa earned a reputation for excellence as an eco-tourism destination and a model for environmental protection worldwide.

Hagedorn publicly revealed his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer during the flag ceremony at City Hall on Feb. 27 this year.

Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron took to social media to express sadness over the passing of Hagedorn.

“Today is a very sad day for Puerto Princesa City because former Mayor and Congressman Ed Hagedorn passed away at 4:09 a.m. on Oct. 3, 2023,” Bayron said.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez extended his deepest condolences to the Hagedorn family for the passing of a public servant, who inspired many people.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our cherished colleague, Rep. Edward Solon Hagedorn. More than his roles in the political arena, Congressman Ed was a guiding light and inspiration to many of us personally. His passion for the environment, tourism, agriculture, and peace was not just a professional pursuit, but a reflection of his soul,” Romualdez said in a statement.

Every moment with Congressman Ed, he said, was filled with laughter, wisdom, and profound insights.

“His genuine warmth and ability to touch lives went beyond titles and protocols. To me, and many of us at the House of Representatives, he wasn’t just a colleague, he was family,” he added.

“To have known and worked with Cong. Ed has been an honor and a privilege. His spirit and legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire us all,” he said.