NEGROS Occidental Provincial Board Member Macario Zafra Jr. succumbed to colon cancer last January 1, around 9:30 a.m., at 62 in Kabankalan District Hospital.
Zafra, who chaired the Provincial Board (PB) committee on Government Assets and Social Welfare and Social Service, told his wife Helen before he died not to bring him to the provincial capitol.
Governor Isidro Zayco said they will place the capitol on half mast Monday.
Burial has not yet been scheduled as two of Zafra’s brothers are still arriving from the United States.
But Zayco said a vigil and holy mass schedules will be discussed Monday among the provincial officials.
“He (Zafra) was a very good close friend of mine. We grew up together and attended the same school in our childhood years until high school in Kabankalan. His family and parents are our close family friends,” said Zayco.
Calling Zafra a “dedicated public servant” Zayco recalled that aside from having considered him a brother, he was a “godfather” to Zafra when he got married with Helen.
Zafra started as a councilor in Ilog town and became president of the Philippine Councilors League-Negros Occidental Chapter until he reached a provincial seat, recalled Zayco.
“It is with our sincerest sympathy that we condole with his (Zafra) family and I know that it is too hurting to lose a special someone in a family but being a good public servant and had served many people, I believe he (Zafra) is also happy wherever he is now,” said Zayco. (GMD)