Arturo M. Sahagun

Arturo Mangosing Sahagun was born on June 30th, 1923 to Calixto and Dominga Sahagun in San Felipe, Zambales. He was the first child amongst nine children followed by Crispin, Margarita, Wilfredo, Gerardo, Marcial, Francisco, Cecilio and the youngest sister, Zenaida.

Arturo lived with his parents and performed several chores and farm work, sometimes skipping school to be able to work in the farm. When his parents passed away, he took on most of the responsibilities and the other siblings were taken care of by their Uncles and Aunties. He then was left with two other brothers, Francisco and Cecilio who he raised with the help of a young lady whom his father met and took care to stay with them. Burdened by this responsibility, Arturo decided to get married with the prodding of Aunties. So Arturo married Ramona Fortin in October 5th, 1946 by arrangement. They had three living daughters: Priscilla, married to Gil Fontecha, Teresita, married to Dante Abad and Sonia, married to Eugene Fulinara and two deceased sons, Reynaldo and Nelson. He also adopted his nephew, Marlon, whom is married to Grace Agpoa with two sons, Marc and Mac. Having family means more responsibilities but he knew how to provide for them by learning how to do farming and carpentry. He learned carpentry skills from his Uncle Tomas Mangosing. Besides farming, carpentry became one his profession and excelled in it, that without engineering knowledge, he was able to build houses, schools and other edifices that are still visible in the town of San Felipe. Soon, he became popular in the town and out of this, he thought he could join the ranks of the politician and followed the footsteps of his Uncle Tomas. Due to his popularity from his townmates, he decided to run as a councilor and won. Winning and becoming as one of the councilors of San Felipe was the most gratifying honor of his life.

After the death of his brother, Wilfredo, and wife, Susana, it brought more responsibilities to him and his wife Ramona. Without hesitation, they took care of the children: Benjamin, Wilfredo Jr, Calixto, Maria and the most lovable of all; Myrna who were left behind. He became the “Ama,” aka the father of his own children, nieces and nephews. He and Ramona were able to raise them along with their own children. It was difficult for both of them to raise nine children, however, they were able to manage and survive both physically, financially, spiritually and emotionally.

Soon, an opportunity came and landed in America in December 1983, “ the land of the opportunity.” He lived in San Diego for over 30 years. He continued to be a carpenter, working various homes of relatives and townmates. When he retired from carpentry he took care of his grandchildren along with his wife, Ramona. Aside from doing carpentry, he had time taking care of his grandkids whom he lived with: Arthur and Dan Michael. In his spare time, he was able to visit his other grandchildren: Pierre, Vince and Jobert in Texas, Mississippi, Great Lakes and Washington State. He also visited his daughter, Sonia Fulinara, in the Island, as well as had the opportunity to see his only granddaughter, Lyra. He lived long to see his great grandchildren: Lyza Jean and Liam Guil.

Debilitating health brought him to the nursing home for almost three years until his last moments two days after his 90th birthday, July 2nd of 2013. He is remembered as the “Ama” of everyone including the new and old folks.

Ama you will be missed and be remembered throughout the years and we will someday meet again. Thank you so much for all your love, support and dedication. May you rest in peace with our other relatives, and continue to watch over us.