Agapito Saño Fortuno

Tang Pito, as most of his town mates and colleagues referred to him, joined our Creator last August 30, 2024 after 98 years. He was born on March 28, 1926 in Nabua, Camarines Sur as the third child of Juana Saño and Andres Fortuno. The difficulties and challenges he experienced and shared with his siblings Patricio+, Salvador+, Rosario+, Soledad+, Lorenzo+, and Pedro+ during his youthful years in the Second World War became the foundation of what he became in his later life - a resilient, patient, hardworking jack-of-all-trades and public servant.

While in his last year in Nabua High School, Tang Pito found the love of his life one fateful day in 1947 when he was paired with second year student Rosita Salcedo, in a field demonstration of a folk dance fittingly called “Bulaklakan”. Despite leaving Nabua after graduation, Tang Pito patiently pursued his long distance courtship which eventually led to their marriage on February 22, 1953. Their blissful marriage was blessed with five children: Genevieve (Nene), Andrew (Nono), Ellenda (Chailou/Baby), Robert (Bob) and Agapito Jr. (Bimboy) who bear fruit to eleven grandchildren: Jason, Christopher Albert (Chris), Brenna, Ayra Czarina or Ayra, John David, Jessica, Cedric, Dana+, Cameron, Janelle, and Rose Adelaide Marie or Marie, and who likewise gifted them with eight angelic great-grandchildren: Edie Evelyn, Oliver, Madison, Gibson, Samson, Emerson, Gemma, and Thalia.

After graduation, Tang Pito sought to fulfill his dream of serving the country by joining the Philippine Navy. Not long after their marriage, he decided to leave his work in Manila and go back to Nabua to help care and nurture their children. He oversaw and managed the farms given to them by their parents. Notwithstanding this laborious work, he still found time to engage in other endeavors. He joined the Phil Am Life Insurance Company and his dedication and hardwork earned him the distinction of being one of its Outstanding Insurance Agent.

Thru the years, he had never cast aside his desire to serve the country and the community where he lives. Thus, he decided to enter the political arena and was elected a Municipal Councilor of Nabua in 1967. One of his fellow councilors reached out to us and stated that Tang Pito was often a source of wisdom and inspiration. Since then, he always gets re-elected in every election until he retired from public service in 1988.

During these years, he lead the Committee on Education and Culture as its Chairman. One of his notable accomplishment was the conceptualization and introduction of the Nabua Alinsangan or Boa–Boahan Festival which was first held on May 2, 1975. Sending a contingent to the annual Peñafrancia Festival, Nabua was acclaimed a champion in the ‘80s. This lead to the emergence of Nabua as a focus for tourism in the Bicol Region. It was even recommended to the National Level completion held in Manila.

Tang Pito likewise joined the prestigious socio-civic organization of the Free Wheeling Club of Nabua which worked hand-in-hand with the municipal government in the development of the town and its people. He served as the Tycoon of the organization in 1981-1982.

Tang Pito also actively participated and served as President of the PTA organization of Nabua High School where their five children graduated with distinction. Tang Pito was also an active member of the Cursillo for decades up until he migrated to US in 1993.

Tang Pito and Rosita, decided to retire to the United States and they migrated in 1993. They lived with their three children, Genevieve, Chailou and Bob, in San Diego, California. While enjoying the life of a retiree, he actively participated in the community activities of the Nabueños of Southern California.

Indeed, Tang Pito had touched and been a part of the lives of many Nabueños. He will be greatly missed by the people he loved and cared for. His legacy and memory will forever be in heart of people who knew him.