Negros Occidental government officials and employees honored former governor Daniel “Bitay” Lacson Jr. for his commitment to uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable and for dedicating his life to serving the province and country at rites on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
A mass and program honoring Lacson, 77, who passed away on Sept. 6, was held at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City.
Lacson was governor of Negros Occidental from 1986 to 1992, and also served as chairman of the Philippine National Bank and the Government Service Insurance System.
Former Senator Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III, who was at the Capitol rites on Tuesday, in an interview said “Bitay always talked about the poor, he was always intense about getting programs for the poor.”
“Even when he was already out of politics he was always still concerned about the poor, that’s what I admire most about him,” Osmeña said.
Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan and Capitol Government Employees (Capgem) Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative resolutions honoring Lacson and the Philippine flag were presented to his widow, Tima Sarabia Lacson, during the program.
The Capgem honored Lacson as the founder and “Father of the Cooperative” that has benefitted the Capitol’s employees for 33 years.
Lacson “significantly contributed to the development of Capgem as his principles, leadership and vision formed the cooperative into what it is today”, the resolution signed by its chairman Sanny Balinas said.
“His untimely passing is deeply felt by the cooperative family and his contributions shall remain the guiding light of the cooperative in the years to come,” it added.
The SP resolution, expressing the condolences to the family of Lacson, said during his years of service as governor he engineered the recovery and rehabilitation of the province under the battle cry “Hope Shines in Negros”.
“Governor Bitay steered the province to recovery as he pushed for the diversification of the province from being dependent on the sugar industry, and he inspired the spirit of volunteerism that brought needed foreign aid to finance development programs in partnership with the private sector,” the SP resolution said.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Negros Occidental lost a father and an exemplar of public service last week.
“Today, we mourn the loss of a man who dedicated his life to serving his province and country with a strong sense of duty to his people and an unwavering hope for the future of his province,” he said.
He was called upon during one of the most precarious times in our nation’s history, stepping into leadership after the EDSA Revolution, the governor said.
“Governor Bitay’s efforts to diversify our economy, which was heavily reliant on the sugar industry, showcased his foresight,” he said.
“He understood the challenges we faced and guided us with both wisdom and conviction, encouraging us to embrace new opportunities. His leadership was truly transformative,” the governor added.
The governor also said they will continue to honor Bitay Lacson’s compassion and commitment to uplifting the most vulnerable.
“His life exemplified the essence of true leadership marked by selfless and tireless service,” the governor said of his uncle.
“We share in your grief, but we also stand with you in celebrating the remarkable life of a man who will forever be remembered with honor and gratitude,” the governor told the former governor’s family.
Former Governor Rafael Coscolluela, who served as Lacson’s vice governor, recalled how he ensured that the many casuals at the provincial government be made permanent employees.
Coscolluela said the former governor’s instruction to him was to give every casual the chance to become a permanent employee.
He also cited Lacson’s many programs to uplift lives and bring change to Negros.
“His reward is having done a job that is beyond compare…so what else can we say but congratulations for a job well done, we love you and God bless you,” Coscolluela said.
Former Negros Occidental Board Member Patrick Lacson, Bacolod Traffic Authority Office head, on behalf of his family thanked all those who honored his father.*