Vice President Leni Robredo said in his lifetime visionary businessman Simplicio Palanca envisioned great things and strove to see them to fruition.
The vice president, who lauded Palanca for his accomplishments, said she extends her deepest sympathy to his family, friends and all those who loved him.
Palanca, 98, died at the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center in Bacolod City on July 10 and will be buried at the Victorias City Cemetery after a 2 p.m. mass Sunday at the Our Lady of Victory Parish Church.
Robredo said Palanca, as founder and chairman of the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp., helped open Bacolod to opportunities.
“He believed that his beloved city of Bacolod deserved much more. He went great lengths to show others it was possible,” she said.
Robredo said it is often said that one must live with the singular purpose of making the world better than when we found it, and that is what Palanca did.
“He has been regarded by many for his sheer persistence, his strong will and for thinking forward – as a man of firsts,” she said.
“As you all remember him, may you take inspiration from his determination, generosity and his faith in the possibilities of a better tomorrow,” Robredo said.*