WEATHERVANE

by Ed Verceles

NATALIO BELTRAN, JR.

June 18, 2003 is a day that will be long remembered by Romblomanons. On this day, Natalio Beltran, Jr., one of the truly great sons of Romblon passed away.

"Jun" as he is fondly called by his provincemates, became Congressman in 1983 and held the post until 1992. In Congress, he was a member of the powerful Commission on Appointments. Prior to becoming a member of the House of Representatives, he was under-secretary of Public Works and Highways from 1986 to 1987 where he was also director in the attached agencies to DPWH.

It was in these two positions that Jun did his outmost and contributed to the progress of his province through the contributions of school buildings, roads and bridges, barangay halls and plazas, barangay sheds, multi-purpose cooperative projects during his colorful career.

Congressman Beltran never forgot his debt of gratitude to his province and his close connections and helped a number of associates to rise in their concerns among them:

a. Nonoy Arboleda - as OIC Mayor of Looc;

b. Totoy Ylagan - as Mayor of Odiongan;

c. Francisco Solis - as Mayor of Romblon, Romblon;

d. Jose Madrid - as Governor;

e. Jose Musico - as Vice-governor;

f.   Noe Tarrosa - as Mayor of Cajidiocan;

g. Celso Renion - as Mayor of San Fernanado;

h. Julie Panderanga - as Mayor of Banton;

i.   Leo Machon - as Mayor of Sta. Fe

j.  Jorge Ramos and Cyril Mayor as employees of PNR.

During his wake, a member of national and provincial personalities attended, among them, Vice-President Teofisto Guingona, Senator Raul Roco, former Manila Mayor Mel Lopez, Cong. Cabochan of Caloocan, Mrs. Evangeline Nadrona, former WPD Captain Jack Rojas, Judge Manuel Recto, Dr. Joey Cabrera, Dr. Jenny Mayor, Estanislao Famatiga of Odiongan, Gen. Fabic, Auring Solidum, Atty. Isabelo Tomas, and former Mayor Juan Rovira of Cajidiocan. Congressman Beltran was born i n March 9, 1937, the sixth of nine children of Natalio Beltran, Sr. and Venancia Magallanes. He has BBA and LLB degrees from University of the East and a Master of Business Administration degree from Ateneo de Manila. He was married to Elsa Villanueva Fernandez who, herself is a BS Pharmacy graduate of the University of the Philippines, and a holder of a Masters in Business Administration from the Philippine Womens University. They have four children namely:1. Natalie, a CPA-Law degreee holder from the University of the East: 2. Natali, a BA graduate from PSBA and now president of Liga ng mga Barangay Chairman of Manila and Manila Councilor; 3. Nelissa, a BS Economics degree holder from UST with an MBA from Letran and now also councilor in Manila; and 4. Maria Nina - a student at a Dominican School.     Congressman Beltran was also active in civic and community work. He was Assemblyman in 1984 -1986 representing Romblon in Region IV, Southern Tagalog. Senator with lifetime recognition in 1978 of Jaycees International,  President of the Manila Lakandula Lions Club International District 301-A in 1972 to 1982. Vice-president of Manila Jaycees, 1975 and Executive Vice-President of Manila Jaycess Senate in 1987. Congressman Beltran was also a recepient of the award in 1979 as one of the Outstanding Citizens of the Philippines in Community Leadership and in 1980 as one of the most Outstanding Citizens of Tondo, Manila in Civic Community Leadership. From his humble beginnings, Jun has soared like an eagle to heights of accomplishment and glory and has given honor to his province. He is a Romblomanon to be proud of and as man that will long be remembered and missed by his provincemates.