FABIAN
PUGEDA
AS
THE eight governor of Cavite during the American regime, Fabian Pugeda served
for two terms, 1925-1931. An efficient and resourceful administrator, he earned
a reputation as a builder. During his six years as provincial executive, Pugeda
was able to finish many public works projects, including the construction of
new roads, public school buildings and markets, and artesian wells.
Born
in Rosario, Cavite, on January 20, 1886, to a couple of modest means, Hilarion
Pugeda and Irene sales, Fabian finished the elementary grades in his native
town, and his secondary education at the Liceo de Manila. He took up law at the
Escuela de Derecho.
In
1912 Pugeda was elected member of the provincial board of Cavite. Four years
later (1916) he was appointed secretary to then Senator Vicente Ilustre of
Batangas. However, in the same year he was elected councilor of General Trias.
In 1920 he was appointed justice of the peace of the town of Cavite (now Cavite
City), but after serving for two years he resigned due to poor health.
Having
regained his health Pugeda ran for governor of Cavite in! 925 and was elected
by a comfortable majority. He was reelected after his first term.
Pugeda
married twice, the first time, 1916, to the former Maria Ferrer, widow of the
late Governor Mariano Trias, by whom he begot two children, Virginia and
Teofilo. After Maria’s death, Pugeda married a second time, his new wife being
the former Silvina Camutin. The couple had two children, Celia and Hilarion.
Nothing is known about Pugeda’s children by his two-marriages. There is also no
available information about Pugeda’s activities after his retirement in 1931.
The date and place of his death are likewise unknown.
(Sources:
A brochure entitled “ History of the Cultural Life of Rosario,” prepared by a
committee of public school teachers of Rosario during the school year
1952-1953.)