Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson joined the Bago City government in commemorating the 36th Death Anniversary of Negrense diplomat and statesman, Rafael M. Salas, on Saturday, March 4.
A memorial mass followed by a floral offering ceremony was held at Rafael M. Salas Park and Nature Center located at Brgy. Ilijan, Bago City.
Joining the activity were Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo, Salas’ wife, Carmelita, Pontevedra Mayor Jose Maria Alonso, former Governor Rafael Coscolluela, former DENR Secretary Victor Ramos, and other local officials.
Lacson, in his speech, said he is proud to know that one of the most brilliant minds and well-respected technocrats of the country, and even the world, is a son of Negros Occidental.
The governor said the impressive and impeccable record of Salas as a public servant and a figure in the international community, which highlights the green revolution of the country and the world’s first ever population program, should also serve as a yardstick to the present-day public servants.
“As a valedictorian of Negros Occidental High School, he already exemplified excellence and discipline in his youth. It was only recently I learned that his Salutatorian was my relative, Atty. Luz Dato Lacson. Theirs was indeed an era of excellence and distinction,” he said.
“As Magna Cum Laude of the University of the Philippines, Cum Laude of the UP College of Law, and a Master of Public Administration of Harvard University, his scholastic achievements must be celebrated, not just to serve as a remembrance, but to serve as an inspiration to the younger children of Negros Occidental,” he added.
Lacson also said that the Rafael M. Salas Library, which houses the Provincial Library is now fully operational, and he hopes that through the structure, Salas’ world-class caliber and leadership will be memorialized and will continue to serve as a positive influence on all Negrenses.*