Eulogy for Ambassador Cesar B. Bautista

December 19, 2015, Santuario de San Antonio

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, Good morning.

I had the good fortune of meeting Ambassador Cesar B. Bautista in Philippine Refining Company, (PRC), now known as Unilever Philippines, where I worked for 18 years starting as a management trainee in June, 1968. At that time, CBB or Cesar as we fondly called him, was Detergents Production Manager. Later, he was promoted to Managing Director of PRC's Foods Division, eventually becoming Chairman and CEO of PRC, only the second Filipino to hold that position.

CBB was the role model whom we younger Filipinos in the company, looked up to. I consider myself very fortunate indeed, to have him as my direct Boss for most of the time that I was with PRC. I deeply admired and learned a lot from him. In fact, Cesar was one of the biggest influences in my life. For me, he was the Kuya or older brother, I did not have. He was the mentor I was so fortunate to have had.

Cesar was one of the most successful and outstanding Filipino chemical engineers, and was recognized as such by the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers. He graduated from the University of the Philippines, was one of the Topnotchers when he took the Board exams, and completed his Masters in Chemical Engineering at Ohio State University.

Cesar was hardworking and very thorough. When he gave you an assignment, you would better do it, and do it well. He had this habit of writing notes in small pieces of paper, as memory aid; there were no post-it pads yet at that time. When you thought that he had forgotten about what he asked you to do, he would invariably surprise you one day, by asking for feedback. He liked to delegate, clearly defining your responsibilities and authorities, and giving you enough leeways. He excelled in making his subordinates grow on their jobs, guiding and challenging them to show their capabilities to the hilt. I benefited immensely from his such quality.

Cesar was cool, long before that word became fashionable. He would admonish and correct you when you erred but never insult nor embarrass you. Pero mahihiya ka nang magkamali pang muli. And he had his simple and quiet way of letting you know when you have done a good job. His self confidence, kind demeanor and humility, despite his incredible success, were a huge challenge to emulate.

I remember when I told him about my unexpected appointment as OIC Governor of Bulacan in March, 1986, after the EDSA Revolution. He advised me to evaluate the situation carefully, as it was akin to taking a casual position in government, in lieu of a permanent one in the private sector, with clear possibilities for further growth. When I finally decided to resign, he wished me well. I could feel his concern for my uncertain future, but he understood why I could not let that rare opportunity to serve our people, pass.

I was therefore so happy and proud when Cesar eventually decided to join the government himself. I knew that his excellent executive abilities and unquestionable integrity would be great assets for our country. As DTI Secretary in the Cabinet of President Fidel V. Ramos, he played a key role in the Philippines' Trade Liberalization program, membership in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade. Later, he became Ambassador to the Court of Saint James. I remember Pacita, telling me on one occasion how taxing and financially demanding it was, to be in that position. She was not complaining but perhaps she could not help but compare the salary of an Ambassador to that of a PRC Chairman and CEO!

CBB continued to actively strive to improve our country's international competitiveness upon returning to the private sector, serving as Chairman of the National Competitiveness Council His patriotism and faith in the Filipino people, never wavered.

I derived much pleasure in seeing Cesar during our weekly meetings at the Rotary Club of Manila, where he was one of our highly esteemed colleagues. I would always approach him to say "Musta ka na Boss?", and he would smile back at me. Just as I would inquire about Pacita and their children from time to time, he would also ask about Susan and our daughter Eya. I'll always treasure those brief moments of being able to interact with him, the last time being just about a week before he suffered that fatal stroke.

Now, my Boss and idol is gone, for he has joined our Creator. I believe that Cesar has now become our Ambassador in the Kingdom of our Almighty Father. I imagine him making a petition, first and foremost, for the good health of his gentle and loving wife Pacita, who I know he loved very dearly. This is so that their children and grandchildren may longer continue to enjoy Pacita's love and guidance. He would surely also pray for their children who they have raised so very well, indeed, and for their grandchildren too.

Furthermore, I have no doubt that Ambassador Bautista will make representation with the good Lord for Him to bless our country and people so that his dreams for an equitably progressive Philippines will come to fruition.

For all these and for all the kindness you have afforded me personally, may I say "Thank you very much Boss. MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT." May eternal light shine upon you and may our great and loving God bless you and your family forever!

Finally, and on behalf of the Rotary Club of Manila, may I present this simple plaque to the family, as a gesture of our gratitude for Ambassador Bautista's twenty-six years of service to the Club.

Thank you very much.