Ricardo Ferrando
Ricardo Ferrando Keun was a Chilean professor, Christian Democratic politician and deacon. He served as senator and vice president of the Senate, and was also mayor of Temuco, among other roles.
Early life
He was born in New York City, United States, on 27 August 1912, son of Alberto Ferrando Rizzi and Herminia Keun Bulano. He moved to the region of La Araucanía in Chile with his family. He studied secondary education in the Seminario de Concepción and later graduated as Professor of State in History, Geography and Civic Education from the University of Chile in 1939 with the thesis “Desarrollo Demográfico de la Provincia de Cautín”. He was married to Avelina Fuentes Larenas and had five children.Political career
He was active from youth: member of the Asociación Nacional de Estudiantes Católicos in 1927; engaged with the Falange Nacional, serving as its secretary general from 1941 to 1945. He taught at various schools, and was rector of the Liceo de Hombres de Temuco in 1964-65.He was elected Mayor of Temuco, then in 1965 elected Senator for the 8th Provincial Grouping for the term 1965-1973. In the Senate, he served on the permanent commissions of Public Education; Agriculture and Colonization; Economy and Trade; and Public Works. From 12 January 1971 to 22 May 1972 he was Vice President of the Senate. His work focused on education reforms, professional accreditation, agrarian reform, and regional development. One of his motions became law: Law N° 17.164, creating the Colegio de Técnicos Laborantes de Chile.