• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A visionary and a charismatic leader, with many once saw him as potential presidential candidate, and he would have made an exceptional one.
This was how former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima described the late Negros Occidental governor Daniel “Bitay” Lacson Jr.
Lacson, who succumbed to a lingering illness on Sept. 6 at the age of 77, was appointed by then-president Corazon Aquino as the post-EDSA governor and led Negros Occidental from 1986 to 1992.
He later served as the chairman of the Philippine National Bank and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
Purisima, in his social media account, said he had the privilege of working with Lacson during his time as GSIS chairman, but Purisima said that his first meeting with the late governor was way back in the late 1980s while he was rallying support for Negros Occidental.
“Gov. Bitay was instrumental in the province’s recovery, highlighting its challenges and mobilizing resources to help its economy recover,” he added.
Lacson’s leadership extended beyond Negros — as anti-poverty czar and as strong advocate for decentralization.
“His legacy of hope, service, and dedication to the people will never be forgotten,” Purisima further said.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier said he stands with the late governor’s family in “celebrating the life of a remarkable man who will be forever remembered with honor and gratitude.”
Former governor Rafael Coscoluela said that his predecessor “served his province and country with passion, always concerned about what could be done to make things better.” | GB
