• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
A visionary and charismatic leader, which many once saw as a potential presidential candidate, and he would have made an exceptional one.
That was the description of former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima of the late Negros Occidental Governor Daniel “Bitay” Lacson.
Lacson, who succumbed to a lingering illness on September 6 at the age of 77, was appointed by then-president Corazon Aquino as the post-EDSA governor of Negros Occidental, and led the province from 1986 to 1992.
He later served as the chairman of the Philippine National Bank and the Government Service Insurance System.
Purisima, in his social media account, said he had the privilege of working with Gov. Bitay during his time as GSIS chairman. However, Purisima recalled that his first meeting with the late governor was way back in the late 1980s, while he was rallying support for Negros Occidental.
“Gov. Bitay was instrumental in the province’s recovery, highlighting its challenges, and mobilizing resources to help its economy recover,” he added.
His leadership extended beyond Negros – as anti-poverty czar under President Cory Aquino, and he was a strong advocate for decentralization, and also as Philippine National Bank president, Purisima further said.
His legacy of hope, service, and dedication to the people will never be forgotten, the former Finance secretary further said.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson earlier said he stands with the late governor’s family in “celebrating the life of a remarkable man who will be forever remembered with honor and gratitude.”
Former Negros Occidental Gov. Rafael Coscoluela said that Gov. Bitay “served his province and country with passion, always concerned about what could be done to make things better.”
Gov. Bitay also became famous for his political battle cry “Hope Shines in Negros,” that was part of the reengineering of the province’s recovery.*
