Friday, December 07, 2007 Severino is the man for our times, Zayco By Gil Alfredo B. Severino
ACTING Governor Isidro Zayco, who spoke before the descendants of Melecio Severino at the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum Friday, described Severino as a "man whom we can look up to for such a time like this."
Zayco delivered a message on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the National Federation of Womens' Club Foundation, Inc. where Severino was given a posthumous award for his struggle to recognize the role women in the electoral process.
Recalling Severino's nationalistic stance, Zayco stressed, "This is what we need in these trying times. Men and women who would put up a fearless stand for righteousness despite the threat of a bigger power above them."
Zayco added, "Severino fearlessly sacrificed even his political career, going against the American colonial powers, all for the sake of what he believed is right."
Negros Occidental Historical Council Executive Director Roque Hofilea affirmed Zayco's message, adding, "I would not call Severino as anti-American. He rather has a very high sense of nationalism and would strongly stand for it."
Hofilea explained that because of Severino's nationalism, his term was aborted on April 30, 1901 after he was investigated by the American authorities on unknown allegations that he was part of a plot against the US command.
"The investigation was fruitless but Severino was replaced by the American authorities as governor," Hofilea said.
"We Negrense today are greatly indebted to a truly honorable man in Melecio Yorac Severino: eminent revolutionary leader and extraordinary politician; avid suporter of agriculture and the sugar industry; far seeing champion of the welfare of filipina women and the youth," Hofilea added.
"He was exceptionally outstanding Silaynon, Negrense and Filipino who has richly deserved his place in our history," Hofilea also said.
Third district Board Member Patrick Lacson meantime recalled the Lacsons and the Severinos were political enemies then.
"This is no time for those petty bickering now. We have a Silay City to build. We have a province that should catch up with the inevitable sweep of the information highway. We have a province to build, true to what Melecio Severino stood for," Lacson said.
"We have no more time for bickering. We have to pursue peace at all cost. We cannot sacrifice the betterment of the province or we lag behind and face extinction," Lacson added.
