BAGUIO CITY – Former city mayor Jaime Roldan Bugnosen passed on May 9 after celebrating his 91st birthday at the hospital the preceding Saturday.
Born in Tadian, Mtn. Province May 6, 1926 to Isidro Cat-eg Bugnosen and Flora Roldan, Bugnosen is the eldest of five siblings: Andres, Mauricio, Floro and Mercedes.
He graduated from Lucban Elementary School in 1938, after transferring from Mankayan, Benguet. His high school days at the Baguio City High School (BCHS) was cut short due to World War II, but he finished later at the Kalinga Academy in Kalinga. He graduated with the degree Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Baguio (UB) and passed the board examinations for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1957.
He served as a dedicated public servant being elected and re-elected as city councilor in 1963 and 1967, as vice-mayor and later as Mayor of the city, in 1988 to 1992. He bowed out of public service after 18 years, and was often sought after as lecturer and active socio-civic leader.
While in the city council, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Baguio City High School annexes, the Special Education (SpEd) school and other public service works.
Awarded as an outstanding citizen during the 102th Baguio Charter day celebration, he continued to share his visions to the younger generation through education and socio-civic work, clubs and federations, some of which he pioneered.
Married to Onesima Elizalde Manipon of San Juan, La Union, Tagudin and Santiago, Ilocos Sur, they have six children: Isiand, Cynthia, Marichu, Jaime Jr., Eileen Mae and Marlowe.
The late mayor is seen as a gentle person, often inculcating values through kindness in words and deeds. According to one of his sons, he taught them to be sensitive to other persons’ feelings and predicaments.
His remains lie in state at his Sta. Scholastica home, will be brought to City Hall on Tuesday, May 16, for services; and on Wednesday will be transferred to the United Church of Christ Philippines (UCCP), Baguio; before burial. ** juliegfianz
