LOCAL officials in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental mourned Wednesday, June 7, the passing of business tycoon and political kingmaker Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr. at the age of 85.
Cojuangco was the chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corporation and founder of the political party Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC).
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who is the provincial chair of the NPC, said, "Today, we mourn the passing of business magnate, public servant and philanthropist Eduardo 'Danding' Cojuangnco. San Miguel Corporation is almost synonymous to Danding Cojuangco, and in this time of crisis, SMC has been a great help by the support it extends to the efforts of the government in abating the negative impact of Covid-19."
Lacson said Cojuangco's keen business acumen, coupled with his inimitable brand of leadership, both in the private and public sectors, contributed greatly to the socioeconomic and political landscape of the Philippines and of course, Negros Occidental.
"He spent some good years of his life here in the province of Negros Occidental and he was known for his generous contributions to civic groups, civic actions, schools, teachers and church programs," the governor said.
Lacson added that Cojuangco's brainchild, Project Free for teachers, showed his astute understanding of the importance of education in nation building.
"He clearly recognized the need to empower our teachers to be able to train globally competitive students especially now that Filipinos are faced with greater competition from other countries in the global job market," Lacson shared.
"In remembering his legacy, the Province of Negros Occidental will continue the Project Free program," the governor added.
Former Sixth District representative Mercedes Alvarez, also an NPC member, relays Cojuangco's favorite political lines, "A political party that does not touch and improve the lives of the people has no reason to exist."
Cojuangco was Alvarez's principal wedding sponsor.
"Ninong, at least nalaman mo na complied na kami sa kinukulit mo sa amin ni Dranreb. Ikwento na lang namin ang mga istorya mo. At kung matangkad man, i-train namin na maging basketball player, dahil favorite sport mo yan. We have lost a man who never knew when to stop helping, and therein lay but one facet of his greatness," Alvarez posted on her Facebook account.
For his part, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia said that Cojuangco was bigger than life. He was a rare breed who excelled and reached the top of both business and politics.
"His example is one which we hope many in these fields will emulate. He is an icon who made a major and lasting impact in the growth and advancement of our nation. Truly, we can say he has touched countless lives," he said.
He added that Cojuangco was "a major and dominant figure here in our island as he changed our physical and political landscapes. He advocated for education and spearheaded the advancement of professional growth, and the impact of that is now apparent to us all. He was a natural leader and easily became a magnet for other business and political leaders."
"On a personal note, his penchant to side with the underdog proved to be the turning point of my political career. His presence here turned the tide of politics in many ways and in many places. I consider him my mentor and political godfather. And he gave me the political boost I needed at the time I needed it most. I salute my Boss Danding. Our deepest condolences to Tita Gretchen, the children and the clan. May Boss Danding rest in peace," the mayor said.
Representative Greg Gasataya said the strong commitment of ambassador Cojuangco to nation-building, as evident in work at San Miguel Corporation and founder of the NPC, will always remain in our memories.
"As Bacolod District chairperson of the NPC, we will strive to ensure that his vision lives on. My sincere condolences to the Cojuangco family," he said.
Furthermore, the Bacolod City Council approved a resolution expressing profound sympathies and sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the late Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco Jr.
The resolution, authored by Councilor Dindo Ramos, was approved during the regular session of the City Council Wednesday, June 17.
Ramos said Cojuangco died on June 16 at the age of 85 after suffering from long-time illness.
He said as one of the country's prominent businessmen, Cojuangco served as chairman and CEO of San Miguel Corporation, the largest food and beverage corporation in the Philippines and Southeast Asia until his death.
He added that Cojuangco also ascribed as the godfather of the Philippine Basketball where he put the country forward as a potent force in basketball in the Asian Region.
Under his leadership and support, the Philippine team first made waves by winning the Asian Youth Championship before home fans in 1982. He initially put together a team of amateur players and naturalized players during the Marcos regime.
Ramos noted that Cojuangco founded the basketball team Northern Consolidated Corp. (NCC), which played as the national team that won the Asian Interclub Championship in Malaysia in 1984 and the Jones Cup title, a PBA championship and the Seagames gold medal in 1985.
NCC's crowning glory was in the 1985 Asian Championship, played in January 1986, which was the last time the Philippines won the regional title. NCC never got to play at the World Cup as it was disbanded after the Edsa Revolution.
Ramos said that as SMC's leader, the conglomerate's teams became prominent forces in the PBA, highlighted by San Miguel's grand slam in 1989 and the rise of Robert Jaworski's never-say die Ginebra team in the late 80's.Cojuangco, apart from his business and sports involvement, was also an influential politician where he served once an ambassador, a governor of Tarlac province and founded the political party NPC, where he was its chairman emeritus until his death.
"Cojuangco's life and prominence was so entrenched in the Filipino culture that could inspire the Filipino toward achieving success in their endeavors," he said.
