A Tribute To Bishop Fortich at Diocese of Bacolod, Philippines, Bacolod City, Philippines 6100 PH - A Province Grieves

Negros SP commends Fortich for service to poor BY CARLA GOMEZ The Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously passed a resolution posthumously commending Bishop Emeritus Antonio Y. Fortich for his dedication and service to the poor and promotion of peace in Negros Occidental. In its resolution, a copy of which was released to the media yesterday, the SP said Fortich dedicated his life to promoting social justice and bringing together opposing groups to allow peace to reign at the height of tumultuous times in the province of Negros Occidental. Fortich devoted his pastoral life to promoting peace that served as the inspiration in the setting up of the historic Zone of Peace in Cantomanyog, Candoni, that paved the way for a similar peace zone in Baras, Kabankalan City, the SP said. The SP also lauded Fortich for promoting social transformation and bringing the church home to the poor. It also said Fortich gave honor to Negros Occidental through his numerous awards and recognitions, particularly the Ramon Magsaysay Award and his nomination to the Nobel Peace Prize. Fortich served the Lord well and his good deeds will always serve as an example and guiding light to us, Michio Hirose, secretary general of the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement International, also said in a letter to the family of Fortich. OISCA International will forever look up to Fortich as "a true advocate of the very same things we sincerely desire and work for: peace and harmony among all peoples of the world," Hirose said. The Promotion of Church People's Response pledged to keep Fortich's legacy alive in the hearts of all those who struggle for his vision of genuine and lasting peace in the Philippines. A people's tribute is set for Fortich on Monday, the eve of his funeral, to be followed by a camp-out and people's vigil at the Bacolod Public Plaza, Msgr. Victorino Rivas, Vicar General of the Diocese of Bacolod, said yesterday. On Tuesday, a procession with Fortich's remains will be held around the Bacolod Public Plaza at 9 a.m. to be followed by a mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who will attend the mass, will speak after the communion, Rivas said. Fortich will be buried at the right side of the Cathedral altar after the viewing of his remains. Last night, priests form the Diocese of Kabankalan led a mass for Fortich.*CPG ***************** The province grieves the untimely demise of a good man who exemplified the character of a true pastor of the church, especially in the midst of current developments, Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon said. Fortich's "greatest asset is that he has always been a friend to everyone," Marañon said. "His bountiful accomplishments to help the less fortunate Negrenses cannot be ignored, especially in the establishment of the Dacongcogon Producers Marketing Cooperative," Marañon said. The cooperative runs the Dacongcogon sugar central that helps marginal sugar planters. For establishing Dacongcogon, Fortich was given the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 1973. He was also nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1982. Rep. Jose Apolinario Lozada (Neg. Occ., 5th district) said Fortich "has left Negros a legacy of stronger faith in God and corresponding strong confidence in each and everyone of us to face our problems economically and politically. Rep. Jose Carlos Cojuangco and his wife, Rio, in a press statement yesterday said "We shall miss this remarkable man who stamped life with the strength of his character and fought for those whom no one would fight for. We may have disagreed with him on certain things, or in the manner of achieving our objectives, but we were one in the dream of a better life for our people. "We shall miss his wisdom as well as his laughter. Negros will never be the same against without this towering figure," they said. Bacolod Mayor Luzviminda Valdez said the death of Fortich is a big loss to Bacolod "in the sense that we can no longer hear his wisdom." "He left imprints in the hearts of the people, the priests and the church," she said.

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