Eulogy for RCM PVP Roy Golez

STEPHEN GRELLET wrote and Glen Campbell sang: “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing, therefore, that I can do or any kindness I can show to any fellow human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall never pass this way again.”

Our dear friend and colleague, ROILO “ROY” GOLEZ will never pass this way again. But in his 71 years in this world, he did so many good or even great deeds, and had shown so much kindness. In recognition of these, when he passed on, Roy has been aptly described by friends and acquaintances as a true Filipino patriot, an officer and a gentleman, a passionate promoter of Philippine tourism destinations, and a distinguished Rotarian, having served as RC Manila Vice President. Former Speaker Joe de Venecia described Roy as an outstanding public servant, a parliamentarian, a man of the family, and a specialist in national security and foreign relations.

PVP Roy an Annapolis graduate, was also a loyal and brave Filipino soldier who fought and died “with his boots on!” Up to his last moments, former National Security Adviser Roy Golez, a most sought after resource person, was still fighting through the media, for the rights and sovereignty of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea! His passion and determination will continue to inspire millions of Filipinos to carry on with his mission!

Indeed, the Filipino people knew that Roy Golez wore so many hats in serving our country. But not so many are probably aware that Roy Golez was also a Boy Scout! The scouting movement must have imbued in Roy the values that he lived; like following the Scout Laws of being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent! His sterling record in public service can attest to that.

Roy Golez served as the National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines from September 24, 1985 to June 30, 1986. At that time questions were raised about the Boy Scouts Constitution and by laws and even some outdated provisions of Commonwealth Act 111, the Boy Scouts charter. Then President Ferdinand Marcos decided to issue Letter of Instruction number 1481 on September 19, 1985, declaring all positions in the Boy Scouts of the Philippines vacant. A Temporary Executive Committee was created, chaired by one of the BSP founding fathers, Don Gabriel Daza, which was tasked to reorganize the BSP.

Interestingly, Manila Rotarians again played a significant role in the reorganization, consistent with the fact that it was the Rotary Club of Manila that initiated the founding of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines! Then General Fidel V. Ramos was part of the Temporary Executive Committee. Former Budget Minister Jaime Laya was a member of the Nominating Committee. On September 24, 1985, Postmaster General Roy Golez was elected National President. Future World Scout Movement Head, PDG Frankie S. Roman was elected Senior Vice President and eventually succeeded Roy as National President, while PP Santi Dumlao was elected the National Treasurer.

As its National President, Roy Golez “steadied the ship”, instituted reforms and led the campaign for the eventual passage of Republic Act 7278 which amended Commonwealth Act 111. This rectified the identified inadequacies of the Boy Scouts Charter. He also created the BSP Emergency Team for Disaster Management in coordination with government agencies and the Philippine Red Cross where he also served as Governor for many years. Furthermore, National President Roy Golez signed a Memorandum of Agreement to fight drug addiction, with the PC Narcotics Command headed by another future Manila Rotarian, General Ramon Montaño! One wonders, if the campaign against illegal drugs succeeded then as envisioned by PVP Roy, tokhang won’t be a byword today!

There were 2.1 Million Boy Scouts when Roy was the National President. Today, there are almost 3 Million members and the organization continues to grow stronger, thanks to the foundation that former NP Roy helped build.

PVP Roy’s passing is certainly a big loss to the country. He will be sorely missed, for sure. But as we condole with his beloved spouse Naty and their children including Vice Mayor Nico, we take consolation in the fact that Roy, being the Boy Scout that he was, lived the motto of being always prepared. “LAGING HANDA!” Having served his people and country so very well, Roy must have been prepared, and now happy to meet His Maker, our Lord in heaven!

Former National President Roy Golez, on behalf of the 3 million Boy Scouts that you served so well, let me salute you and bid you farewell. Thank you very much for the friendship and leadership. May eternal light shine upon you!