Baguio mourns the death of two lensmen who dedicated their lives to service.
Rodolfo “Ompong” Tan and Neil Clark Ongchangco perished in a tragic accident on Friday, March 27, in Itogon after graduation pictorials for the youth of Tabu Elementary School, a volunteer activity aimed at giving the children quality images.
Tan was recognized in 2022 as a Baguio Outstanding Citizen for community service, while Ongchangco worked for the Baguio City Public Information Office; both used their love for images to help educate and inform the public.
Ongchangco was everybody’s friend, a basic good guy who would engage you in conversation as long as his time would allow. He was always on the go—on his bike, with his gear, on coverage, to his next ride or rushing home to his wife.
Working for the government can take its toll on you and your outlook on life, but Neil was different.
He was genuinely grateful and happy in what he was doing; he made it a point to be respectful and polite to everyone, even the difficult ones, even the unliked, he would accommodate. He talked about his family, telling stories about their small home and his life, opening up when he knew you were listening, being human.
Ompong was an urban legend. His talent, generosity, and empathy were known, but you had to meet him and experience it all on your own to understand why he was so loved by many. His work for the Baguio Photographers Club and the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) changed lives and included a vast group of people who previously had no inkling of the power imagery held.
Ompong became a bridge for many, enabling legions to help others in need; he did not discriminate by race, gender, religion, nor social class, he just saw people as people.
Ompong, with partner Eliza Consul, was driving the black Toyota Fortuner with Ren Munoz, Conrado Rotor, Randy Benigno, and Ongchangco as they attempted to cross the river. A powerful current pushed the SUV, causing it to spin after a sudden rise in the water level. The force of the water lifted the front of the vehicle before dragging it approximately 100 meters downstream. The car eventually came to a rest, half-submerged in the water.
Ongchangco lies in state at the Baguio Memorial Chapel while arrangements for Ompong will be later announced. Maria Elena Catajan