The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agencies mourned the death of DILG Negros Occidental Provincial Director Atty. Ferdinand Panes who passed away last Oct. 29 due to COVID-19.
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In a statement Friday, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said that as a frontliner, “Panes’ life was true to our dictum of 'Matino, Mahusay, at Maaasahan' (Intelligent, Good, and Dependable) brand of leadership in Western Visayas.
He noted that “Panes was a beacon of excellence in his quest to deliver public service to the Negrenses and all other LGUs he was assigned to.’’
True to his calling as a public servant and despite the danger posed by the coronavirus, especially to people of his age, Año said that Panes braved the threat of the pandemic every single day if only to serve the people.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to his bereaved family and loved ones in this darkest of times,’’ Año said.
The DILG chief assured the family of Panes that all necessary assistance and benefits will be accorded to them.
“We will honor Panes' legacy and years of dedicated service by doubling our efforts to shepherd local governments and the public to strictly observe minimum health protocols as the country begins to heal and recovers as one,’’ Año said.