Former GAB Chairman Domeng Cepeda (second from left) was among those honored during the first Professional Sports Summit organized by current GAB head Baham Mitra at the PICC in 2019.
Former GAB head Cepeda passes away
PHILIPPINE sports lost another top official who served both the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) with undying passion.
Former GAB Chairman Dominador “Domeng” Cepeda passed away last Saturday, May 1 at the age of 86.
Cepeda served as GAB chairman under President Ramos and President Estrada from 1994 to 2001.
He also briefly served a commissioner of the PSC during the time of former Manila Mayor Mel Lopez.
Current GAB Chairman Abraham “Baham’ Mitra said Cepeda’s death is another big loss to sports.
“We are saddened by the loss of former GAB Chairman Dominador R. Cepeda, Jr.,” said Mitra in a message sent to People’s Tonight.
“Chairman Cepeda had also represented the Philippines in the different international boxing bodies such as the World Boxing Council (WBC) and the World Boxing Association (WBA),” said Mitra.
“While serving as the Chairman of GAB, he was elected as the president Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) and his term was extended up to 1998 during the OPBF Executive Meeting held at Hotel Sofitel.”
Mitra said Cepeda was among those honored by GAB when the government regulatory body in professional sports hosted the first-ever Professional Sports Summit held at the PICC last Sept. 24, 2019.
“We recognize his efforts and invaluable contributions to the growth of professional sports in the Philippines. He is truly an inspiration and his memory will live on forever. Rest in Christ’s love, Chairman Domeng.”
During Cepeda’s tenure, the WBC seminar was held at the Manila Hotel on July 4-6, 1996.
Cepeda later became the WBC-Asia Legal Counsel in 2001 after his tenure at the GAB.
Cepeda also served as fight supervisor of major world title fights between 1997 to 2005, including two fights of Sen. Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines and Erik Morales, Injoo Cho, Stevie Johnston, Injin Chi, Yo Sam Choi, Saman Sor Jaturong and Masanori Tokuyama.
Among the prominent Filipino boxers who were crowned world champions under Cepeda’s watch were Luisito Espinosa, Gerry Penalosa, Eric Jamili, Malcolm Tunacao, Joma Gamboa and Pacquiao.
Atty. Lucien Cepeda, the only child of the late GAB head, said the family is organizing virtual masses and novenas this week for the repose of his fathers soul.
“Due to the current COVID-19 situation, there will be no physical wake to ensure the safety of the family as well as visitors. We will share the links once available,” he said.
Cepeda’s death came a few days after former Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Cito Dayrit passed away at age 70.
