Former Negros Occidental governor dies

BACOLOD CITY—Former Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. passed away in a hospital in Bacolod City at 11:38 p.m. on Thursday. He was 84.

Marañon, who served as governor of Negros Occidental from 2010 to 2019, died surrounded by his family, his son Sagay Mayor Alfredo Marañon III said.

“It is with great sadness that the Marañon family announces that our beloved papa, Alfredo G. Marañon Jr., went home to our Lord at 11:38 p.m., Oct. 1, due to complications associated with his cardiac health,” his daughter Anna Marie Marañon-McConchie said on Friday.

Alfredo Marañon Jr

Advocacy

Because of the prohibition to hold wakes because of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a virtual gathering will instead be held, the date of which will be announced later, “to allow those who cannot be with us to honor his life and achievements,” she added.

Marañon began his career in government service as a councilor of Sagay in 1964, and went on to become vice mayor and mayor of the city. He also served as assemblyman of Negros Occidental and congressman of the second district of the province.

Marañon was a farmer, civil engineer and aquaculturist with a passion for protecting the environment and for organic agriculture.

He also served as president of the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement–Philippine chapter and the Negros Island Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development Foundation.

In lieu of flowers

He was survived by his wife Dr. Marilyn Dalisay Marañon, and their children Todd and Anna Marie McConchie, Armand and Aileen Lontoc, Alfredo III and Fe Marañon, Takayuki and Agnes Iida, Patrick and Carmela Valderrama, Anthony and Cathy Marañon, and Arthur and Charisse Marañon.

The family said donations to the Carmelite Monastery, in lieu of flowers, would be appreciated.

Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed condolences to the Marañon family.

“The life he dedicated to public service spans more than five decades which he spent addressing the prevalent problems of his hometown, his district, and the province,” he said.

“I was his vice governor for six years and it was a privilege to have worked with him and to have learned from him. He will be missed,” he added.