By Danilo P. Padua, PhD
A person who is about 2 months short of 88 years old normally does not cause a lot of surprise when he/she departs from this world. Anyway, it’s a ripe old age, way above the average lifespan of less than 70 years old for Filipino males.
For somebody like Peter Melchor Cosalan, who died last July 15, 2026, the surprise is more of the realization that he can no longer share his priced wisdom to the present and younger generations.
He is considered a legend by many including One Benguet Group (or Party) and those who had the chance to mingle and discussed with him or those who came to know his enviable experiences.
He worked with the government, lent his expertise with the private sector, mentored students as a professor in at least four HEIs: U.P. BAGUIO, Saint Louis University, Benguet State University and Cordillera Community Development College. He also dabbled in politics, serving as an IP representative to the municipal council of Tublay for one term.
Dr. Cosalan actively and directly worked for two administrations. With former President Ferdinand Marcos, he was called to help set up the National Economic and Development Authority, Rgion 1 office which was established in Feb 17, 1975. According to him it ws Marcos who started devolving the functions of national agencies to regional offices to capture the sentiments of the grassroots. It was something that he fully agree with and helped spread the idea in at least 3 regions: CAR, Region 1, and Region 12 in Mindanao. He worked with NEDA for about 10 years.
We all know that NEDA Metamorphosed into Department of Economy Planning and Development less than 2 years ago in April, 2025.
After his tenure at NEDA, Dr. Cosalan decided to work with the Ayalas in response to the P.D. 27 Issued in 1972 BY Marcos Sr. He was tasked to lead and direct a project called Land for the Landless, in Pampanga.
Recognizing Cosalan’s expertise, and influence in the region, President Cory Aquino, summoned him to be part of Cordillera Regional Constituents Congress (CRCC) to help craft the foundation for the creation of Cordillera Administrative Region. So, he switched back to government service. Needless to say, CRCC did its job well. Their output was the basis the issuance of E.O. 220 which came out in 1987, paving the way for the establishment of CAR.
His brilliance and dedication to work prompted the board of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) to hire him as Chairman. He steered this coop for 10 years with very far-reaching results, leaving behind an acknowledged imprint and legacy of a foundation upon which BENECO proudly stands today.
He also worked with Chavit Singson while was a governor of Ilocos Sur, adding to his wisdom.
His contributions to the public and private sector is really nothing to sneeze at, even by the most accomplished servant thereabout. His legacy is beyond question. This is the reason why his wisdom is highly sought especially by politicians, administrators, and students even at his late age.
Cosalan was perceived as a humble man, can freely mingle with anyone easily, and down to earth according to my wife and others
He is also a writer. On one occasion, Many practicing writers from Baguio and Benguet, including Dr. Cosalan, decided to meet and formalized the creation of the Cordillera Writers Association. As the event was held in BSU, I was asked to serve as the emcee. Here I saw his humor. Maybe I was talking too much for comfort as an emcee, that when I called him to say his piece. He opened his short talk with, “Thank you Mr. Talksmaster”.
Then much later, we used to have friendly discussions over cups of coffee before or after his classes. while a professor at BSU. Sometimes his wife Auring tagged along. And I always looked forward to engage him in such discussions. Initially, I thought he was too opinionated but soon after, I realized that he must have based his opinions in large part on his vast experiences (but I was not privy then to most of his experiences. When he learned that his first cousin, former Congressman Ronald Cosalan, was also my relative on his mother side, our discussions in fact, became even more fluid and easy-going.
Yes, Peter Melchor Cosalan’s wisdom is unmatched, according to the message of ONE BENGUET
But I think BENECO said it more simply and understandable: “Forever remembered, forever honored”
So long Dr. Peter Cosalan, thanks for your wisdom and contributions for the country, especially for Benguet. You will be missed.**
