Jose Maria “Boy” Zayco, vice president of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, passed away yesterday afternoon after suffering a massive heart attack, Dr. Agustin Hom said.

He was 64.

Zayco was doing research on a potential investor and business partner on the computer at the MBCCI office, at about 5:20 p.m. when he suddenly slumped on his desk, his colleague, Rey Siason, who was with him, said.

Siason said they had met an investor from the Middle East  at the Business Inn earlier in the afternoon and when they returned to the MBCCI office, Zayco wanted to learn more about his business so he got on the Internet.

Zayco’s last words were “Pare, ari pa di si Osama bin Ladin (Pal, Osama bin Ladin is still here),” Siason said, adding that he was even smiling and then he just slumped down on his table.

“I asked him what was wrong but he was not answering. We rushed him to The Doctors’ Hospital but he was declared dead at 6 p.m. after doctors were unable to revive him,” Siason said.

Zayco had a heart ailment and was expecting to undergo a heart bypass, Siason added.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. was surprised to hear of Zayco’s death, saying he was at his office at the Capitol at about 5 p.m. yesterday to discuss a dinner for the grand reunion of Kabankalanons.

“Boy Zayco was a very helpful man, and is a big loss to Negros Occidental,” the governor said.

Zayco’s first cousin, former governor and now Kabankalan Mayor Isidro Zayco, said he was saddened by his death saying he was a fun person who also was a hard worker.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said “Boy Zayco is a big loss to the community. He was unique because his witty disposition allowed him to mix and deal with people coming from all walks of life. The business sector has likewise benefitted from his talents and good public relations. We condole with the Zayco clan as we salute Boy.”

Frank Carbon, MBCCI president, said Zayco was a big, big loss to the MBCCI and Negros.

“He was more than a friend he was like a brother to me and to many who knew him,” Carbon said.

“Zayco was a dedicated worker who did not count the hours he had the work, and was always ready to help solve a problem whether it be work related or a personal concern of a friend,” Carbon also said.

“He was very ‘galante’, if you were his friend he would even cook for you and go out of his way to make you have a good time,” Carbon added.

Zayco, who was always very friendly and was loved by many who dealt with him, including the media, was also secretary general of the Negros Japan Human Resource Exchange Program, and treasurer director of Central Water Bulk.

He studied at Colegio de San Agustin and Don Bosco High School.

Zayco is survived by his daughter, Rachelle Zayco, and granddaughter, Angelique.

His remains were brought to St. Peter’s Memorial Chapels in Barangay Alijis, Bacolod.*CPG

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