The Negros Economic Development Foundation (NEDF), one of the oldest social development foundations in Negros Occidental, has paid tribute to its founders and movers as it marked its 55th charter anniversary on July 23.
The milestone highlighted more than five decades of impactful work in advancing socio-economic development for the province’s most vulnerable sectors.
NEDF chairman Ramon Ponce de Leon led the officers and board in presenting a plaque recognizing president Wilhelmina Gonzales, who served the foundation for 53 years.
Himself a service awardee, Ponce de Leon also presented posthumous special awards to former Governor Daniel Lacson Jr., represented by his son Patrick Lacson, as well as to David Villanueva, whose plaque was received by his brothers, Ildefonso and Jude Villanueva.
Both awardees had served as members of the NEDF Board.
Service awards were also given to trustees Alfredo Barcelona, Monsignor Rufino Suplido, and Eduardo Jereza.
The celebration, held at its farm in Barangay Handumanan, was attended by the foundation’s institutional partners, project beneficiaries, and stakeholders.
“For the longest time, NEDF has been a catalyst for socioeconomic development,” said Regional Director Arecio Casing Jr. of the Department of Economic Planning and Development-Negros Island Region.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the NEDF has built a legacy anchored on socialized housing, health, integrated agricultural development, environmental stewardship, entrepreneurship, empowerment, and sustainability.
“These are not just programs – they are lifelines that reflect a deep understanding of the unique needs of the Negrense people,” the governor said in a message delivered by Provincial Planning and Development Office head Ana Marie Lucasan.
Also to mark the occasion, farm implements donated by the provincial government were blessed and officially turned over to the foundation.
Ninety-six sets of raincoats, boots, and bolo knife were also distributed to members of Bantay Lasang who are assigned to patrol the Hilabangan and Sicaba watershed areas, which is part of NEDF’s partnership program with Coca-Cola Foundation. ||
