BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Longtime city dad Elmer Sy was known in life to be sparing with his words, a trait that earned him critics.
In death, however, none is sparing in their tributes for Sy who is described by many as a man who lived up to his mantra of “less talk, more action.”
Lone District Cong. Greg Gasataya said “as a colleague in the Sangguniang Panlungsod and a fellow member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition, he will always be remembered as a public servant who humbly advocated and fought for the welfare of Bacolodnons during the numerous times that he was elected by the people to the city council.”
“His legacy and good deeds will surely remain in the hearts of the people whom he served.”
Mayor Evelio Leonardia, a longtime partymate of Sy, said in a statement released by the city information office that he was “stunned” after hearing news of Sy’s death yesterday.
He also reminded Bacolodnons that Sy “was a COVID-19 victim and we should be reminded how dangerous our times are.”
“May he serve as a medium for all of us to remember that we must always follow health protocols.”
DEDICATED, SINCERE
Sy, who comes from a prominent /family of Chinese-Filipino businessmen, joined local politics in the 1990s post the Marcos dictatorship.
Leonardia said he was “one of those who encouraged (Sy) to join politics” because he saw Sy’s “winnability and potentials.”
“And, indeed, he has gone a very long way since then.”
On the DNX News Facebook page, Sy’s partymates and netizens praised and remembered his good deeds.
“He was a friend and a silent but faithful public servant,” lawyer-councilor Renecito Novero described Sy as he expressed his and his family’s “sincerest and profound condolences to the family of comrade Elmer Sy.”
Former Councilor Ricardo “Cano” Tan, who served with Sy for a long time, condoled with his family with a “heavy heart” and described him as “soft spoken and kind-hearted person” and one who “gave meaninhg to the expression” less talk, less mistake, more talk more mistake.”
“His death will surely leave a big footprint in Bacolod City,” Tan added.
