Editor’s Note

The first week of August came with a doleful buzz about the passing of the country’s 12th Chief Executive. A confirmation swiftly followed. Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos has indeed joined the immortals at age 94. The country has lost a beloved leader. In unison, social media, news outlets, chat groups, netizens, various institutions, civic organizations, and practically the whole nation expressed their sadness over the passing of an admired and visionary leader. In the following days, expressions of admiration for FVR’s brand of leadership, the outpouring of sympathies for his family, as well as anecdotes from friends and close associates flooded the cyberspace.

I have my own story to share. In 1995, I was asked to write a speech for FVR who was scheduled to speak before a group of lawyers at EDSA Shangrila Hotel. I wrote a 3-page draft. To lighten the mood, I injected a lawyer’s joke (which I came up by tweaking the joke I recently heard from a priest’s homily). The Presidential Management Staff (PMS) would later call me after I submitted the speech to inquire where I got the joke; and with amusement, I explained how I came up with it. I was impressed, though, on how thorough FVR’s PMS was in vetting the content of my draft speech. FVR would later adopt about 80% of the written piece, including the joke (which I must say he delivered with animation and zest).

After FVR’s term as President, and being an avid golfer, he became San Beda Law Golf Club’s regular guest of honor and tournament participant. He was such a joy to be around during golf tournaments, and he would gleefully ask Bedan golfers to do some push ups in the fairway. It was his unique way of “bonding” with us. During photo ops with him, he would smilingly slap our tummies, coupled with a stern “stomach in” command. One Sunday morning over a decade ago, I bumped into him at the Navy Golf course. Same routine – photo ops, slapping of my tummy, and again commanding me to keep my “stomach in.” He also joked about our being able to play golf on that day, smilingly saying that it was our “day-off.” That day happened to be Father’s Day.

FVR is Mr. CSW -- “Complete Staff Work!” Yes, CSW is the hallmark of his management style. Those who worked with or for him says that they, too, have imbibed the CSW culture.

When news of FVR’s death came out, media organizations were at once hungry to get messages and thoughts from those who knew him well. Manila Rotarian Raffy Alunan, FVR’s Cabinet Secretary, was asked to give his statement last Monday. He shared that he was “dumbstruck from the time (he) learned the sad news that FVR passed away.” He added: “collecting my thoughts will take time to give him the best possible tribute, x x x.”

In one of his recent facebook posts, Dir. Raffy described the late President as a “master class,” his “President and mentor,” and “a legend in his time.” I could not agree more. FVR served our country well. He was a consequential leader who has made a profound impact in our people’s lives. He certainly deserves our salute and gratitude for everything he did for Duty, Honor, and Country.

FVR’s belief that democracy and development can run in parallel is most admirable. The posts and comments about his leadership and management style tell us how exceptional, inspiring, and aspiring he was as a leader. He certainly was one “who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way,” quoting John Maxwell’s definition of a great leader.

For Manila Rotarians, FVR is not just a former Philippine President. He was also a Rotarian brother who not only brought prestige to the Club, but also one who genuinely shared the ideals of Rotary service, and the dream of collectively making the world a better place for humanity.

Rest now, Mr. President, fellow Manila Rotarian, and thank you for your service!