Wednesday, December 21, 2016
By TERESA D. ELLERA

NEGROS Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., who turns 81 today, said he wishes for more blessings and protection from harm for the province.

NEGROS. Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. (left), who celebrates his 81st birthday today, is among the well-wishers of Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez, who turns 50 on Tuesday, during the celebration at Victorias City Coliseum. (Carla Cañet)

“This is a day of Thanksgiving. I cannot overemphasize the great joy over the wonderful surprises that the Lord had given me all these years: the gift of life, the gift of family, and the gift to be of service to my fellow Negrenses,” the governor said.

Marañon attended Tuesday the birthday celebration of Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez at the Victorias City Coliseum, where he was also greeted by Negrense officials and constituents.

“On this special day, and in keeping with the advent of the Christmas season, I wish that our province and our people will continue to be blessed and protected from harm’s way,” he said in statement.

Marañon also acknowledged the Capitol employees for their contribution to the success of the provincial government’s projects and programs.

“Let me also pay tribute to the hardworking men and women of the Provincial Government, whose dedication to public service resulted to numerous national awards for Negros Occidental this year,” he said.

The governor added: “Despite the fact that we are already Hall of Famers in many fronts, they continued to provide excellent service, raised our standards of governance worth noting by the National Government. We take pride that other local government units are replicating our programs.”

Marañon will celebrate his birthday in his hometown of Sagay City.

Wish for Albee

The governor said he wishes for Benitez to become a senator.

Marañon pointed out that Negros never had a senator for a long time already so he sees Benitez, who is already on his last term, as potential for the national office.

Benitez for his birthday wishes for good health and more strength to continue serving the people of his district. This is already my last term and serving the people of the Third District was the most gratifying part of my life,” he said.