One of the two hardest parts of being so involved in the Philippine railway community is living—at least for a little while longer—so very far away during the times you most wish you were near. Over the years there have been moments when I have not been able to be there during the loss of a good friend, and each time that happens it is something I deeply regret.
Sadly, today I learned of the passing of another dear friend, and this one hits especially hard.
Kuya Edwin Aguiwas spent his life around railways. His career began with the Light Rail Transit Authority on Manila Light Rail Transit System Line 1 in 1983, and later saw him working with Manila Metro Rail Transit System Line 3, Philippine National Railways, and Manila Light Rail Transit System Line 2. Eventually he moved to DESCO, Inc. in Biñan, Laguna, where locomotives 902, 913, 914, and 916 were rebuilt. There was never any doubt that Edwin carried a deep knowledge and genuine passion for the railways of the Philippines.
I first met Edwin at the Caloocan Workshops during a visit in 2017. He recognised me and came over to say g’day. From that moment we got along wonderfully, quickly falling into a long conversation about the 900 class—especially my beloved U15C locomotive, number 902. That meeting sparked years of online chats and messages between us. Sadly we only managed a couple of meet-ups in person, the last being during a visit to DESCO in 2019, but our online conversations never stopped. Today I have been reading back through many of them with great fondness.
Earlier I mentioned my favourite locomotive, U15C #902. This was a topic Kuya Edwin and I spoke about often. I still remember how excited he was to tell me that she had been selected as part of the second group of locomotives to head to the DESCO plant for rebuilding.
Perhaps it was only coincidence—but I had been advocating for the PNR flagship to be included in the rebuilding program for quite some time. I mentioned it endlessly online to the then PNR General Manager, to Kuya Edwin, and to anyone else who would listen. When the decision was finally made, Edwin messaged me straight away to share the news that my long-held wish had come true.
Of course, I couldn’t pass up the chance to visit my 902 while she was in the DESCO “hospital.” Thanks to the generosity of my friend Junn Magno, who was then General Manager of PNR, the management at DESCO, and of course Kuya Edwin, I was given the opportunity to see this important rebuilding project up close and witness the fantastic work being done there. I was even treated to lunch. Salamat, Kuya Edwin.
So it was this morning that I woke to the painful news of Edwin’s passing. It hit me very hard. I wish I could be there to attend his funeral and offer my condolences in person, but distance makes that impossible.
But one thing is certain: you will not be forgotten, my dear friend Edwin Aguiwas. Thank you for your kindness, your friendship, and for all the conversations we shared over the years.
Rest in peace.
Written: Brad Peadon
Photos: Edwin Aguiwas & Brad Peadon
Edwin Aguiwas (Desco), Mark Chua (PNR), Junn Magno (former PNR GM).
Management and Staff of DESCO.
Desco Engineering Visit - Part 1
