Various government officials and community leaders are paying tributes to the late Negros Occidental governor Daniel “Bitay” Lacson Jr., who passed away due to an illness at his family home in Bacolod City Sept. 6.
He was 77.
The wake for the former governor is being held at the Acropolis Gardens in Barangay Bata, Bacolod City until tomorrow, Sept. 10.
“We are deeply grateful to Gov. Bitay Lacson for the life he devoted to public service. The Province of Negros Occidental has lost a brilliant and well-loved leader,” Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Saturday.
“His committed and impassioned dedication to service will remain as an inspiration to everyone,” he added.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said: “We lost a true public servant of Negros. His life is worth emulating by younger generations.”
“He was a dedicated public servant, who left behind a legacy of leadership and service,” the mayor said.
For former governor and now Capitol consultant Rafael Coscolluela, his predecessor at the Capitol “served his province and country with passion, always concerned about what could be done to make things better.”
“Rest in peace, Bitay. You will always be remembered and honored for the service you gave so selflessly and passionately,” Coscolluela added.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said he is “deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Governor Daniel ‘Bitay’ Lacson Jr.”
“His dedication to the people of Negros Occidental and his unwavering commitment to public service have left a profound impact on our community,” he also said.
Millie Kilayko, president and chief executive officer of Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation, said: “In his life as a public servant and as a Filipino citizen, his thousands of projects changed lives, fed the hungry, educated the unschooled, straightened up pension plans and more”.
“Most of all, in all of them, he lighted hope for those whose lives were in darkness,” she added.
In a statement, the Association of Negros Producers (ANP) said that “Lacson pushed for economic diversification beyond sugar, introducing land-use programs and promoting high-quality crafts, which eventually led to the formation of the ANP”.
“He was a true visionary who helped guide Negros Occidental through some of its toughest times. During the sugar crisis and the aftermath of Martial Law, he led the province’s recovery with the inspiring message, ‘Hope Shines in Negros,’” the ANP said. ||
