Amid news of the passing of former Senator and 4th District of Isabela Representative Heherson “Sonny” Alvarez due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino “Inno” Dy V on Monday said Isabela lost of one of its most prominent figures, “a public servant with a sterling record in both the Legislative and Executive departments of government.”
“Isabela has lost one of its most distinguished sons, one of his generation’s most eloquent voices, and one of the country’s most respected leaders,” said the freshman lawmaker.
“The work of Sen. Alvarez should inspire all of us to continue working to address the environmental issues that he fought for.”
“My family extends its deepest condolences to the loved ones of the late Sen. Alvarez; may they find comfort in knowing that the province of Isabela and the whole nation mourn with them on this sad day.”
Born in Santiago, Isabela, Alvarez belonged to the first batch of senators in the Post-Edsa Senate. After serving two terms in the Senate, he was elected representative of the 4th District of Isabela. He would later serve as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Climate Change Commission.
In the Senate, Alvarez was known as the principal author of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and the law creating the Department of Energy.
As one of the champions of the environment in the House of Representatives, he was responsible for the enactment of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park Act (RA 9215), the Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), and the Clean Air Act (RA 8479).
The legislator pointed out that Alvarez “was instrumental in mainstreaming causes involving the protection of the environment.”
“The progress our country has made today with regard to preventing environmental degradation in our country is due in part to his tireless efforts. The work of the late Sen. Alvarez should inspire all of us to continue working to address the environmental issues that he fought for––the same issues we continue to grapple with and confront.”