BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Former governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. of Negros Occidental died at 11:38 p.m. on Oct. 1. He would have been 85 on Dec. 21.
According to Anna Marie Marañon-McConchie, her father passed away in the hospital.
“Due to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), in lieu of a public gathering to celebrate Papa’s life, a virtual gathering will be announced to allow those who cannot be with us to honor his life and achievements,” McConchie said.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, who succeeded Marañon in office, described the late governor as “among the keenest political minds of the province.”
“I was his vice governor for six years and it was a privilege to have worked with him and to have learned from him,” Lacson said.
Marañon served the Negrenses for over 50 years in various capacities, including being the mayor of Sagay City, congressman of Negros Occidental’s 2nd District and as governor for three consecutive terms before retiring from politics in 2019.
Lacson said the people of Negros Occidental will remain grateful to Marañon’s devotion to service and commitment to the advancement of the province.
For his part, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer who belongs to the late governor’s local party United Negros Alliance (UNegA) described Marañon as “compassionate, honest and humble.”
“He devoted his time and political career in ensuring the continuous progress and development of the province. His heart was with the marginalized and underprivileged. He advocated programs that uplift their living conditions. He was loved and respected by many,” Ferrer said.
He called Marañon his mentor and friend.
“We grieve the passing of our (UNegA) founder but our loss motivates us to continue the legacy and values that he left. We commit to continue to uphold honesty, integrity and professionalism in the public service for which Governor Marañon was admired. We shall aim to achieve his vision of a better and progressive province. Padayon!” Ferrer added.
The late governor passed away due to complications associated with his cardiac health. His remains were brought to the steps of the provincial capitol building yesterday to allow capitol employees and provincial officials to pay their respects.
Marañon will be brought to his final resting place in his hometown of Sagay City./PN
