Flowers adorned the entrance way of the Aguillon-Cimatu residence in San Jose, Antique (left), showing how Fe Aguillon Cimatu is loved by so many especially of her own “kasimanwas”. One of the most admired general in the country, now DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu (right) looked solemn as he walked inside the San Jose Cathedral./DENR 6

 

 

She was the love of his life, his own brave soldier, his loyal companion. Until the day she had to bid him goodbye.

The beautiful and endearing Fe Aguillon Cimatu, wife to former general and today, DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, quietly passed away on February 20, 2021 due to lingering illness.

Ma’am Fe, a native of San Jose, Antique, is Secretary Cimatu’s foremost cheerleader, consultant and critic, all rolled into one. She was the positive influence behind the big accomplishments he achieved while still in the military, as peace envoy and as DENR Secretary.

In his eulogy during the necrological service on February 25, 2021 at the couple’s residence in San Jose, Antique, Regional Executive Director Francisco “Toto” E. Milla, Jr. of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 6, said: “Behind the success of every man is a woman.” Milla noted how Ma’am Fe had served as the Secretary’s inspiration and the reason behind DENR’s success in environmental governance of the country by “making exemplary, radical changes for sustainable development.”

On a personal note, Milla reminisced the moments when Secretary Cimatu visits Region 6 together with Ma’am Fe, and how she took the initiative to book for their plane tickets, hotel room and fetched by her own family vehicle.

“As a wife of the highest official of DENR, she did not want to abuse her husband’s position by availing of government resources,” Milla said. “Truly, Ma’am Fe is a woman of integrity,” he added.

In his eulogy, Secretary Roy A. Cimatu, recounted his days with Ma’am Fe and how his ever supportive wife sacrificed a lot of things beginning after the wedding. He remembered how while still in honeymoon, he was called back to service. He was then assigned in Marawi, and he took Ma’am Fe with him. From there, they both journeyed in life together. She was always with him, a very supportive, loving companion who provided insights into the many things he planned to do.

As a tribute to her, he shared his lifetime award to Ma’am Fe as part of his eulogy during the necrological service. Cimatu’s lifetime award is a recognition of his 50 years in military service, foreign service and civil service.

The employees and officials of DENR offices nationwide deeply mourn and share the grief of Secretary Cimatu and of the Aguillon family. Nevertheless, Secretary Cimatu is intent on pursuing the many environmental projects he had started, especially in Western Visayas./DENR 6