PRESS STATEMENT
16 SEPTEMBER 2026
ULAP and Member Leagues Mourn the Passing of President Gov. Dakila Carlo “Dax” E. Cua
The Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, the umbrella organization of all local government leagues, and its members mourn with profound sorrow the passing of its National President, Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo “Dax” E. Cua.
Governor Dax devoted twenty-five years of his life to public service. Elected vice governor of Quirino at the age of 23, he went on to serve as governor, representative of the province’s lone legislative district, and again as governor from 2019 until his passing. His career joined provincial leadership, national lawmaking, humanitarian service, and international advocacy for local governments.
As ULAP National President and National Chairman of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, Governor Dax gave the local government sector a clear and credible voice in national policy. He consistently pressed for devolution that recognized the differing capacities and fiscal realities of LGUs. He advanced stronger national-local coordination in public health, disaster resilience, agriculture, infrastructure, livelihood, and local economic development.
His leadership also carried the voice of Philippine local governments beyond the country. As the first Filipino President of United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific, Governor Dax brought local autonomy, climate action, sustainable development, innovation, and youth participation into regional discussions. His reelection for the 2025–2027 term reflected the confidence placed in him by local government leaders across the Asia-Pacific.
Governor Dax’s record in Congress was equally consequential. During his nine years as Representative of the Lone District of Quirino, he chaired the House Committee on Ways and Means and worked on major economic and institutional measures. His legislative service included the establishment of Quirino State University under Republic Act No. 10230, an enduring investment in education and opportunity for his province.
His work as a member of the Philippine Red Cross Board of Governors extended that commitment into humanitarian service. Across every institution he led or served, he understood that public office carried a practical obligation: government must reach people where they live, especially in communities with the fewest resources and the greatest needs.
Governor Dax leaves a deep absence in Quirino and throughout the country’s local government community. We remember a colleague who listened, a leader who built consensus, and a public servant who gave local governments a stronger place in the affairs of the nation.
The ULAP National Executive Board, its member leagues, Secretariat, and the entire local government sector extend their deepest sympathies to Governor Dax’s family, loved ones, colleagues, and the people of Quirino.
We will honor his memory by carrying forward the work to which he gave his life: stronger local autonomy, fair and workable devolution, capable local institutions, resilient communities, and development that reaches every Filipino — as he passionately said, “the Future is Local.”
Maraming salamat, Gov. Dax. Your life of service will remain part of the history—and the continuing work—of Philippine local governance.
— UNION OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES
