Quirino Governor Dax Cua dies at 48

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

Dax Cua's Facebook page

'As we bid farewell to a remarkable leader, we also celebrate a life of service and leadership,' says the United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific, which Cua served as president since 2023

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

The United Cities and Local Governments Asia-Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), which Cua served as president since 2023, said in a social media post on Wednesday, September 16, that it mourned “the passing of Mr. Dakila Carlo ‘Dax’ Cua, Governor of Quirino Province, President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), and current President of UCLG ASPAC.”

“Since assuming the presidency of UCLG ASPAC in 2023, Governor Cua has been a steadfast leader and a passionate advocate for local governments. He consistently championed and embodied our shared belief that ‘The Future is Local,'” UCLG ASPAC said.

“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. 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