Quirino Governor Dax Cua dies at 48 - Rappler

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DAX CUA. Quirino Governor Dakila 'Dax' Cua addresses a DILG event in November 2025.

MANILA, Philippines – Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua has died at the age of 48.

“Governor Dax leaves a deep absence in Quirino and throughout the country’s local government community. We remember a colleague who listened, a leader who built consensus, and a public servant who gave local governments a stronger place in the affairs of the nation,” the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), the umbrella organization of the country’s local government leagues, said in a statement on Wednesday, September 16.

“We will honor his memory by carrying forward the work to which he gave his life: stronger local autonomy, fair and workable devolution, capable local institutions, resilient communities, and development that reaches every Filipino — as he passionately said, ‘the Future is Local,” ULAP said. 

The United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), which Cua served as president since 2023, described him as “a steadfast leader and a passionate advocate for local governments.”

“As we bid farewell to a remarkable leader, we also celebrate a life of service and leadership. We believe that his legacy will continue to guide and inspire our work, and that his contributions will live on through the efforts of local governments across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond,” it added.

Cua entered politics when he won as Quirino vice governor 2001, at the age of 23. After serving two terms, he made a successful gubernatorial bid in 2007.

He was elected as Quirino congressman in 2010, serving three terms before again successfully vying for a gubernatorial comeback in 2019. Cua was reelected in 2022 and 2025.

Cua’s friends, supporters, and colleagues paid tribute to him on social media. – Rappler.com