Neg. Or. Gov. Macias, 76

CEBU, Philippines - Negros Oriental Governor Emilio Macias II succumbed to liver cancer yesterday. He was 76.

 Dumaguete City councilor-elect Erwin Macias said his father died at 3 a.m. at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Manila while he was being prepped for his next chemotherapy session this week.

Macias, who was re-elected governor in the May 10 elections, was airlifted to Manila last month, days before his proclamation by the provincial Board of Canvassers, due to his illness.

His body will be cremated in Manila and the family hopes to bring his remains to Dumaguete today, Erwin Macias said.

 Macias, a doctor by profession, started his political career as provincial board member in 1977, served as governor for three terms before representing the 2nd District in the 11th, 12th and 13th Congress.  He again ran and won as governor in 2007.

 He is especially known for his efforts in improving healthcare delivery in the province and the promotion of organic farming. Macias also initiated efforts for a one-island, one-region for Negros Oriental and Occidental.

 The governor is survived by his doctor-wife Melba Lopez and children — doctors Emilio III, Lamberto II and Mark, Erwin and only daughter Eleanor.

Second District Rep. George Arnaiz expressed sadness over the news, saying that Macias asked him to oversee his projects while he undergoes treatment.

He said the governor had hoped to be back to Negros Oriental by June 30 in time for their oath-taking and inauguration.

Macias will be replaced by vice governor-elect Agustin Perdices, the incumbent mayor of Dumaguete City. — Antonieta B. Lopez and John DX Lapid/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)