Goodbye, ‘Uncle Sam’

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  • MITCH M. LIPA

The business industry in Bacolod and Negros Occidental lost two prominent pillars, whose wisdom and generosity have been a constant source of inspiration for every Negrosanon entrepreneur.

Brothers Ernesto and Simplicio Palanca devoted their lives “not only enhancing the family’s legacy and protecting the integrity of their parents’ names – but their vision and strong sense of civic duty have changed the economic landscape of Bacolod and transformed the lives of so many Negrosanons”, their grandson, Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Francisco Benitez said.

Bacolod Real Estate and Development Corporation founder Atty. Simplicio Palanca died on July 10, 2021. He was 98 years old.

Simplicio or Sammy, was the visionary lawyer who made it his personal crusade to establish an international seaport in Bacolod City, the capital of Negros Occidental.

At 98, Palanca breathed his last on Saturday, July 10, while being confined in one of the hospitals in Bacolod. Mourning his death, along with his family, are the people at Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation (BREDCO), the company that he founded.

A few days before Atty. Palanca died, his younger brother, Dr. Ernesto Palanca or Doc Esto, also passed on. He was 87 years old.

“Two great men in our family have left us to join their Creator. In their passing, we remember their lives and how they have helped transform their communities,” former Negros Occidental solon Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, grandson of the Palanca’s said.

He said Dr. Palanca started and guided the Negros Occidental Drug Rehabilitation Center in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

“Under his direction, NODRFI has worked to serve its mission that started 17 years ago, a catalyst for change in the lives of our brothers and sisters who have fallen prey to substance abuse and that they may find their way back to the society and their families,” the former congressman said.

He also paid tribute to his “Lolo Sammy”, whom he said was a visionary who devoted his time, resources and efforts in building BREDCO.

“He never faltered from his vision of reclaiming the 250-hectare shoreline of Bacolod and establishing a seaport. Even when others thought it was impossible, now it has changed the geographical and economic landscape of Bacolod City, and provided many jobs and opportunities for Bacolodnons and Negrosanons,” Benitez said of the legacy of his grandfather.

“Even from his hospital bed, his lifelong love for entertainment propelled the establishment of Magikland,” he added.

Silay City Mayor Mark Golez acknowledged the contribution of Atty. Palanca to Magikland, saying that the late business believed that “investing in the happiness of the family will always be a good investment.”

Bacolod City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran also offered his condolences to the family of Atty. Palanca.

On his Facebook post yesterday, Familiaran described Palanca as “a very generous man, a man full of vision, and the Father of Bredco”.

“I offer my thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes to his family during this difficult time in their lives,” he added.

The late lawyer was also “Uncle Sam” to his business partners, who marvelled at his tenacity in pursuing his dream reclamation project.

As his grandson Albee said, the late lawyer was the original game changer and the most respected in their clan.

John Alonte, a nephew of Atty. Palanca, described him as a man of his words and whose vision was focused on development.

He added that his uncle was a philanthropist who granted scholarships to less privileged but academically gifted students. – MML