NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday, July 12, 2021, said the province also gained a lot of economic activities from the vision of Atty. Simplicio "Sammy" Palanca.

"Better known as Uncle Sam, as a visionary, he is the architect of the Bredco (Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp.) Port and because of this vision, it created a lot of economic activities for Bacolod City and Negros Occidental. He showed too much concern," Lacson said.

Palanca passed away on Saturday, June 10, at the age of 98.

Lacson said Palanca was known to have helped several people and many scholars have benefitted from his generosity.

"We entrust him to the Good Lord. I'm sure that the gate of heaven is wide open to him together with his brother Dr. Ernesto Palanca. I condole to the family," Lacson said.

Meanwhile, former Third District congressman and Provincial Consultant Alfredo " Albee" Benitez described his Lolo Sammy as a visionary.

"He devoted his time, resources, and efforts in building the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corp. He never faltered from his vision of reclaiming the 250-hectare shoreline of Bacolod and establishing a seaport. Even when others thought it was impossible, now it has changed the geographical and economic landscape of Bacolod City and provided many jobs and opportunities for Bacolodnons and Negrosanons," Benitez said.

He added that Palanca, even in his hospital bed, and his lifelong love for entertainment propelled the establishment of Magikland.

Incumbent Representative Francisco Benitez (3rd district) and younger brother of Albee said, “Our family lost this week two giants whose wisdom and generosity have been a constant source of inspiration and guidance. They devoted their lives not only to enhancing the family’s legacy and protecting the integrity of their parents’ names – but their vision and strong sense of civic duty have changed the economic landscape of Bacolod and transformed the lives of so many Negrosanons. For these and many more, Lolo Sammy and Lolo Esto will be sorely missed.”