Gerardo P. Cabochan

Gerardo "Gerry" Paulino Cabochan (October 3, 1926 – January 31, 2014) was a Filipino lawyer, soldier, storyteller, and politician who served in the House of Representatives of the Philippines from 1987 to 1992 representing the 2nd district of Caloocan.

Early life Cabochan was born in Manila on October 3, 1926, to Justo Cabochan of Cabanatuan, an advocate of the societal integration of Filipino-Chinese and Chinese immigrants, and Paula Paulino of San Miguel, Bulacan.

Education During the school year of 1947–1948, Cabochan became Cadet Colonel and president of the High School Student Council of Far Eastern University.

Congressman The 1987 Philippine Constitution created two districts for Caloocan. The first district was composed of the 70 barangays located north of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), while the second district was composed of 118 barangays located south of EDSA.

In addition to legislation, Cabochan also helped the funding of the construction of Caloocan's City Library, the city's Non Formal Education Building, the city's Girl Scout Council Office, and Caloocan City Polytechnic College's conference room and clinic. He was also a member of the Commission on Appointments and the 1992 Philippine presidential election canvassing committee.

Former congressman Reynaldo Umali of Oriental Mindoro's 2nd district used to work for Cabochan as his legislative chief of staff.

Civic societies In Caloocan, Cabochan continued his involvement with various civic organizations. He was the first president of the Caloocan City-Malabon-Navotas Chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines from 1973 to 1975. From 1979 to 1981, Cabochan was the president of the Philippine Association of Supermarkets. He was also a director of the Rural Bank of Angat in Bulacan.

Achievements and legacies Cabochan has twice been selected as an Outstanding Citizen of Caloocan. He was also included in the books Outstanding Leaders of the Philippines and One Thousand Leaders, both written by Carlos P. Romulo. “Sangkatauhan, Sangkahayupan: Mga Kuwento” Alvin B. Yapan Ateneo de Manila University Press 37th National Book Awards “Ang Nawawala” Chuckberry Pascual Visprint 38th National Book Awards “P’wera Bisita” Isang Balangay Media Productions 39th National Book Awards Allan N. Derain University of the Philippines Press

Cabochan Foundation The Cabochan Foundation is a non-profit organization inspired by Cabochan's compassion to the poor and works of community development. It conducts series of outreach programs, such as free medical–dental missions and wellness advocacies.

Personal life and death Cabochan lived in Caloocan, with his wife Clarita Tongco Villacorta of Baliuag, Bulacan. The couple was married on September 3, 1955 and had four children: Jun, Ramon, Carling, and Celia. His eldest son, Jun, established the Pandayan Bookshop, His son Ramon is a doctor, while Carling and Celia are at the helm of their supermarket business.

Cabochan is also the uncle of former congressman Boji Cabochan of the 3rd district of Bulacan.

On July 3, 1991, Cabochan wrote to Jun on the back of a postcard: “Ano ang aking magagawa? Huwag mo sabihin na ikaw ay iisa lamang. Bawat Filipino ay may katungkulang magtanim o mag-alaga ng punong kahoy o halaman. Bawat tao ay may katungkulang maging masipag at matiyaga. Bawat nilalang ay may katungkulang sumunod sa batas, sumamba sa Diyos, magmahal ng kapwa tulad sa sarili. Kapag ito ay iyong ginawa, uunlad ang ating bayan.” (What can I do? Don't say you're alone. Every Filipino has a duty to plant or to take care of a tree or a plant. Every person has a duty to be diligent and to be patient. Every creature has a duty to obey the law, to worship God, and to love one's neighbor as oneself. When you do these, our country will prosper.)

Cabochan died on January 31, 2014 due to cardiac arrest.