Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo "Dax" Cua Passes Away at 48

Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua, the elected governor of Quirino Province in the Philippines, died at the age of 48. He held the presidency of United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC) and chaired the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, roles he occupied since 2023. UCLG ASPAC issued a statement mourning his loss and praising his commitment to the principle that “The Future is Local.”

Cua entered public service as Quirino vice governor in 2001, served two terms, won the governorship in 2007, and was elected to the national congress in 2010 for three terms before returning to the provincial executive in 2019, securing re-election in 2022 and 2025. His death sparked a wave of tributes from friends, supporters and fellow officials on social platforms. The organization emphasized that his legacy will continue to influence local-government initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.