A Tribute To Bishop Fortich at Diocese of Bacolod, Philippines, Bacolod City, Philippines 6100 PH - Hope to Live His Birthday

‘He hoped to live for his birthday’: Fortich relative By Avelyn Z. Agudon "HE HOPED to live for his birthday." Thus said Edward Co Eban, great grandchild of the late Bishop Emeritus Y. Fortich who would have turned 90 on Aug 11. Eban, who arrived Thursday from Dumaguete City with his mother, Filicitas Co Eban, brothers and sister, remembered Fortich saying that he was praying to live for another birthday. Fortich made the wish when he went to his relatives in Barangay Daro, Dumaguete City, to visit his ailing sister, Caridad, last Holy Week. “We are sad because his wish was not granted,” said Eban. He added that those were the only words that he uttered as the prelate could no longer talk long. Eban recalled that Fortich’s common advice is for them to be honest in everything they do. “He always emphasized that we should be honest,” said Eban, adding they would surely miss him. Moreover, Eban said Fortich’s sister, Caridad, who has been confined at the Intensive Care Unit of the Holy Child Hospital in Dumaguete City, still does not know of her brother’s demise. And he said they don’t intend to tel her as she herself is also seriously ill. Caridad was rushed to the Holy Child Hospital a day after she arrived in Dumaguete from Bacolod City to visit Fortich at the Riverside Medical Center.

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