By Carla N. Cañet

Environment Czar United Negros Alliance gubernatorial candidate Mayor Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr. will replicate the many successful projects and programs that he has implemented in this city to the province of Negros Occidental, once he becomes the next Governor of the province.

His passion is in the environment. He became the champion of the conservation, protection and preservation of the environment since the 1970’s.

One can see how productive the Sagay Marine Reserve is where major and exotic species of sea shells and marine products abound.

He instills the value of the environment as the premier source of food and livelihood. He presses the continued care for the environment.

He truly works very hard in the lasting success of the Carbin Reef where the vast marine reserve in the Visayan sea is located. This marine reserve is the third largest in the Visayan sea.

Fishermen from the city and its neighboring areas always have an abundant catch in the marine reserve.

He said that since this is our source of food and livelihood, we all need to protect and preserve it.

He started caring for this marine reserve in the 1970’s and up to now. He was an inspiration to others because of his passion for the environment. Laws were made during his incumbency as Congressman of the 2nd District of Negros Occidental that highlighted the protection and preservation of the Marine reserve.

The marine reserve is rich in marine products that are of export quality. There are exotic sea shells like the Sea Urchin that are very expensive in Japan. In fact, this Sea Urchin is our local aphrodisiac, he said. In his present term as Mayor of this city, he continuously works on the many infrastructure projects in his city.

The imposing slaughterhouse with the most modern and state of the art slaughtering equipment is being constructed in Sagay City.

This is an "AAA" category that can slaughter hundreds of pigs in an hour.

Meat products will be efficiently and cleanly processed in this new Slaughterhouse.

It’s fast and efficient. This will be operated soon. "We have a soft opening in March so that our people can enjoy clean meat products," he said.

Marañon has shown the successful Corn plant in his city and other major projects that have so much impact in the lives of the Sagaynons.

These projects which were tested and proven will also be expanded in the province of Negros Occidental once he will be lucky enough in the May 10 elections.

Their Priority Development Agenda for the province for 2010-2013 includes Natural Resources Management; Economic Development; Good Governance; Reduction of Poverty; Optimum Health Care; Strong Support for Education; Food Security; I.C.T. Utilization; Roads Improvement; Social Services and Tourism Promotion.*