Zubiri: Marañon was a Visionary

"I am mourning with the people of Negros Occidental and the friends and family of Gov. Alfredo Marañon," said Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri upon the news of former Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon's passing at the age of 84.

"I am saddened by the loss of our former governor, who was also my colleague in the Eleventh Congress. I am blessed to have had an opportunity to work with him as a congressman in my first term."

Zubiri and Marañon both served in the Eleventh Congress as representatives of the third district of Bukidnon and the second district of Negros Occidental, respectively. Marañon went on to serve as mayor of Sagay City for nine years before he served another nine years as governor of the province. With his background in farming and aquaculture, he introduced a number of environmental initiatives during his time in office, including the establishment of the Sagay Marine Reserve, and the move toward a coal-free Negros Occidental.

"He was a visionary governor who pushed for agricultural development in Negros, and during his tenure kept the province united, which helped in the development of the province. He will be sorely missed."