Tribute to a visionary leader

BACOLOD. The life, works, and achievements of the late former Negros Occidental governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. as a public servant for 56 years. May he rest in peace. (Richard Malihan photo)
BACOLOD. The life, works, and achievements of the late former Negros Occidental governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. as a public servant for 56 years. May he rest in peace. (Richard Malihan photo)

FORMER Negros Occidental governor Alfredo G. Marañon Jr. bade goodbye to his temporal life at 11:38 p.m. of October 1 at Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod City due to complications associated with his cardiac health.

His daughter Anna Marie Marañon-Mcconchie confirmed the demise of her father.

"It is with great sadness that our beloved Papa, Alfredo G. Marañon Jr., died," Anna said.

Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the family preferred to virtually celebrate his life and achievements.

They asked everyone to respect the privacy of the family during their moments of grief and thanked the people for the prayers, love and concern.

Governor Freddie, known as "Toto Freddie" to many Sagaynons and Negrenses, was born on December 21, 1935 in Sagay City.

Aside from being a politician and public servant, he was likewise a farmer, aquaculturist, and civil engineer by profession.

He was married to Dr. Marilyn Dalisay-Marañon and they were blessed with offspring: Anna Marie McConchie, Aileen Lontoc, Alfredo III, Agnes Iida, Carmela Valderrama, Anthony Albert, and Arthur.

After serving as mayor of Sagay City, he served as governor of the province in 2010 up to June 30, 2019.

He first joined politics as an elected councilor of the Municipality of Sagay in 1964-1966, vice mayor of Sagay in 1967 by succession, elected mayor of Sagay in 1972-1979, re-elected mayor of Sagay in 1980-1984, assemblyman of the province of Negros Occidental in 1984-1986, elected mayor of Sagay in 1988-1991, elected congressman of the 2nd District of Negros Occidental in 1995-2004 and elected mayor of Sagay in 2007-2010.

He had many achievements as a public servant for 56 years.

Incumbent Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson, in a statement, said: "It is with deep sadness that I learned the passing of former Governor Alfredo 'Freddie' Marañon Jr. Gov. Freddie was among the keenest political minds of the province. 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."

"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 said.

The people of Negros Occidental share the grief of his demise, and will always remain grateful for his devotion to service and his commitment to the advancement of Negros Occidental.

"To his wife, Tita Marilyn, and to the entire Marañon family, I extend my sincerest condolences, prayers and support for this monumental loss. Gov. Freddie will be missed," Lacson said.

Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer also extended his deepest condolences to the family of former governor.

"I am saddened by the demise of former governor Freddie Marañon Jr. whom I recognized as a good person, a humble, dedicated and compassionate public servant. He has left an indelible imprint of a remarkable leadership and legacy to the Province of Negros Occidental and to the City of Sagay which he both served for the compounded period of 56 years. His programs and projects prevailed to be beneficial and valuable to the people of Negros Occidental. His works and achievements will continue to live on in the hearts of the Negrenses. Governor Freddie has shared his gift of public service to countless people. May he celebrate his eternal repose with the Lord. Rest in peace now Gov. Freddie," the vice governor said.

Toto Freddie's towering presence at the defining moments in the history of Negros Occidental reminds us of his inspirational leadership that brought us to where we are now as a province.

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