BACOLOD City – The City Government of Kabankalan in Negros Occidental mourned the passing of Rev. Fr. Brian Gore at the age of 82.
Fr. Gore, a Columban Missionary, died on Sunday, April 20, in the city.
“A pillar of strength, courage, and compassion, Fr. Gore was more than a missionary — he was a visionary,” read part of the city government’s Facebook post.
Through his love for the people and the land, Fr. Gore was the founder of “Negros 9”. He championed justice, peace, and cultural revival, nurturing a spirit of hope and dignity in the hearts of many.
“His devotion to the arts and the environment breathed life into our city’s cultural soul. The seeds he planted in Kabankalan blossomed into a legacy that will never fade — etched in every mural, echoed in every song, and carried in the stories of those he touched,” the post added.
For its part, the San Sebastian Cathedral-Diocese of Bacolod said: “Fr. Gore served in Negros Occidental for many years and was known for his deep solidarity with the poor. As one of the ‘Negros Nine,’ he stood firm in his faith and fight for human rights.”
He was also known on his organic advocacy where he began to introduce in 1981 at Oringao parish center through the use of vermicastings.
Many church-based groups from Visayas and Mindanao came to Oringao to observe and bring the technology back to their own places, according to Organic na Negros’ Facebook post./PN
