Negros Occidental board member passes away

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental lost a staunch advocate against rice smuggling in the province when provincial board member Jesus Colmenares, 63, died while recovering from a lung operation at the Iloilo Doctors Hospital in Iloilo City early Wednesday morning. Philippine flags in public and private institutions in the province were displayed at half-mast yesterday.

Colmenares, chairman of the Sanggunian Committee on Agriculture, underwent lung surgery but developed pneumonia later. His wife, Maria "Bukid" Javellana, said he was talking about his projects for the fourth district, a rice producing area.

"He was a man who dedicated his life as a consistent defender of farmers and an advocate of agricultural development," Governor Joseph Marañon said.

The Provincial Board also passed a resolution during its regular session yesterday commending and recognizing the valuable contribution of Colmenares to the provincial government and Negros Occidental.

Colmenares hailed from Iloilo City where he completed a Commerce degree at the University of San Agustin. He transferred to Bago City where he turned to farming. His involvement in the agriculture sector started his political career in 1992 when he ran for the provincial board.

He sought the gubernatorial post in 1995 but lost. In 1998, he was elected board member anew.

Colmenares was also a past governor of the District 301-B Lions Club-Negros Occidental chapter. — Antonieta Lopez