BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental yesterday honored the late former Board Member Elvira Villena Guanzon, as one of the pioneer women in politics in the Visayas.
Guanzon had served as a board member of Negros Occidental for 25 years, from 1962 to 1987. She also served as a municipal lawyer, councilor and vice mayor of Cadiz City.
Board Member Rita Gatuslao, in her privileged speech during the SP regular session yesterday, described Guanzon as a “true public servant” who had inspired many because of her charitable endeavors, especially to the poor and oppressed, through her free legal service for them.
Gatuslao added that Guanzon was a champion in defending the oppressed, poor, and women who have never been recognized as significant as they are today.
Guanzon, 95, succumbed to complications brought on by Parkinson’s disease, and passed away on July 11 at the Doctors’ Hospital in Bacolod City.
On mass motion, the SP unanimously approved a resolution yesterday expressing condolences to the family of former Board Member Guanzon, who had served the provincial government with dedication and competence.
“To those whose lives she had touched, Board Member Guanzon will be fondly remembered for her 32 years of public service as an elected official, known for her advocacy and good works for women and the poor, her compassion and commitment to her people and her work, which she performed, with the highest of integrity and excellence,” the SP resolution said.
Board Member Sixto Guanzon, son of the late board member, thanked Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer and his fellow board members for honoring his mother.
She will be buried at the Cadiz City Public Cemetery after a 10 a.m. mass Friday at the Sto. Niño Parish Church and a brief stop in front of the old Cadiz City Hall where a resolution honoring her will be read and turned over to her family.*