By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
IT IS SAID that fulfilling a dying wish is the highest form of respect from living relatives. I do agree.
Thus, I can’t help but to express my highest regards to the Malacons of EB Magalona town in Negros Occidental.
On October 20, in a simple yet touching ceremony, Mrs. Josefina Malacon, her children, including Mayor Marvin Malacon and her apos (grandchildren), fulfilled the dying wish of her husband, Feliciano, known as T’yoy Morito – to donate a piece of land to 51 families living in Purok Santan, Barangay Tabigue, EB Magalona.
For a long time, the place is home to a chapel and 21 homes with 51 families squatting.
The land is one among several Malacon properties divided into three – one bought by an electric cooperative, the other one used as a garage for vehicles; and the third being occupied by informal settlers.
The Malacons, months after T’yoy Morito’s death on March 19, 2019, were surprised to find a document that stated the deceased’s dying wish – to donate the piece of land being occupied now by the people at Purok Santan.
The property, however, have arrears in terms of land tax. Still, the Malacons didn’t hesitate to pay almost P250,000 just to clear it all.
Then, after a thorough deliberation, the Malacons agreed to fulfill T’yoy Morito’s dying wish.
RESPECT FOR TATAY
Thus, on October 20, a ceremonial turning over of individual land titles to the donees was done at the Asenso Hall in town. It was a private event. Solemn. A dying wish fulfilled.
Mayor Malacon said donating the land to the squatter families was a sign of their highest respects to their Tatay Morito.
His son Matthew Louis said Malacon’s legacy will continue forever.
What a formidable vow, indeed.
DIGNITY TO THE HOMELESS
A dying wish is the last thing a person wants before he or she dies.
In the case of T’yoy Morito Malacon, it was to give land to the squatter families to give dignity to the homeless to boost the morale of the penniless and hapless. He recognized them as real human beings with pride and dignity.
MAKING POSSIBLE
Fulfilling the final wish of T’yoy Morito was an honorable act. They realized his dream. T’yoy Morito, for sure, is so happy in another dimension seeing his loved ones do what he really wanted.
Kudos to the Malacons./PN
