ILOILO – The Tupas family is mourning the passing of their matriarch, former Barotac Viejo mayor Myrna Causing-Tupas, who died at around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30. She was 77.
Myrna was the widow of the late Iloilo governor Niel Tupas Sr., who passed away in November 2015. In her final days, she was confined in a private hospital for an undisclosed illness and was frequently visited by her children, who had already begun preparing themselves emotionally for the inevitable.
Her death came less than a year after the family suffered a tragic loss — their only daughter, Nielette “Tweety” Tupas-Balleza, passed away on June 16, 2024 at the age of 49.
Former Iloilo City councilor Lex Tupas took to social media to express his grief: “I lost my beloved mother at 8 a.m. this morning. She is now in a better place. No more pain. Every visit to her since January felt like it could be the last, and I went through anticipatory grief.”
Former congressman Niel “Jun-jun” Tupas Jr. also released a statement asking for prayers for their late mother. “Our beloved mother, Nonoy Myrna Causing-Tupas, has returned peacefully to her creator. Please pray for the eternal repose of her soul.”
Fifth District congressman Raul “Boboy” Tupas shared a heartfelt message: “Though we are saddened by your passing, we take comfort in knowing that you are now at peace, embraced by the eternal light of our Creator. Your love, warmth, and strength will forever remain in our hearts.”
Former Iloilo provincial board member Dr. Darl Tupas expressed gratitude for the love and support shown to their mother throughout the years: “Now comes the time you’ll meet your Maker and be reunited with Tatay. I love you.”
Statements from her other sons — Barotac Viejo’s Nielo Tupas and former mayor Niel Tupas III — have not yet been released.
Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas extended his condolences to the family, particularly to former city councilor Lex Tupas. “The legacy of love and service she leaves behind will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched,” Treñas said. “May her soul find eternal rest, and may her memory forever be a blessing.”/PN
