Eulogy of Dir. Raffy Alunan

Many will agree with me that FVR was a man for all reasons and seasons. He was a great leader, patriot, hero, Special Forces-bred, soldier-statesman, peacemaker, reformer, nation-builder, transformer and, in retirement, trustee of the nation. He demonstrated numerous times his tremendous capacity for leadership in the field as a soldier, Secretary of National Defense, President of the Philippines and as Chair of RPDEV.

One famous demonstration of his leadership was when he was AFP Vice-Chief of Staff. The country had become “Asia’s Sick Man.” The dictatorship was collapsing under its own weight. Institutions were corrupted; people were oppressed; truth was suppressed, the insurgency was raging; and the economy was crashing. Democracy and capitalism were disfigured beyond recognition. The only way out was to break away from the dictatorship in Feb ’86. He believed that a liberated society was the only way to attain long-term growth and sustainable development. The Special Forces motto he internalized as a soldier, “de Opresso Liber”, meaning to free the oppressed, kicked in.

He took charge of a military revolt that morphed into People Power. While it closed the door on the dictatorship, it opened a window for national renewal. He spent the next three years defending freedom and democracy nine times. The heroism, decisiveness and steadiness under fire that FVR demonstrated as a soldier and Secretary of National Defense earned him his ticket to the presidency. President Cory Aquino endorsed his run for the presidency and the rest is history.

As the 12th president of the Republic, he dedicated himself to making things right and doing things the right way. He rolled-up his sleeves to signal that he was going to run the six-year presidential marathon all the way to the finish line. He was tireless, situationally aware and led by example. He was a master of timing who empowered his team and managed by objectives. He made tough decisions only a leader can, ready to face displeasure and resistance – from leveling the playing field by breaking up monopolies to firing, even jailing, his friends in the military and government for wrongdoing. I only know too well because I had to do a lot of that for him as his alter ego.

I’ve internalized nine words uttered by FVR that came across to me as a code on how to be better Filipinos for a better Philippines, namely: Unity, Solidarity, Teamwork (UST); Care, Share, Dare (CSD); Reform, Perform, Transform (RPT); additionally, Completed Staff Work (or CSW), NLT (or “not later than” for timely compliance) and his signature thumbs up to signify “Kaya natin ito”. FVR proved how U.S.T. we could resolve and recover from crises, and restore trust and confidence in the country with Team Philippines. He clustered Departments and organized Task Forces to get them to work seamlessly as a team to address cross-cutting issues. For example, there was Cluster E, the Security Cluster, and Task Force Lily that assisted PMS to monitor government operations while he was away. He used various Councils to maximize collaboration and accomplish missions like the National Peace and Order Council; National Development Council; National Security Council and the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council.

Peacemaking required U.S.T. all the more. By the end of his term, he succeeded in forging written peace agreements with the RAM, the MNLF, the CPLA and the Rejectionist faction of the CPP-NPA-NDF. He worked 24/7 for “Duty, Honor, Country.” Weekends and holidays were usually work days because that was the way with public service. The government had to deliver its services without interruption. That was our new normal. Despite his presidency being bookended by the power crisis and Asian Financial crisis, the economy rose to “tiger cub” status through a strategic mix of good governance, peace initiatives, landmark legislation, bold reform agendas, sound development policies and fiscal discipline.

After his term ended, FVR became our elder statesman. He represented the country in various capacities; each time, submitting written reports to the national leadership for reference and posterity. He wrote weekly “sermons” and authored many books. His wise counsel was sought by heads of state, diplomats, businessmen, media and pillars of society. His leadership was recognized by national and international organizations.

For us Rotarians, I think we all agree that FVR lived the 4-way test by epitomizing “Service above self.” He was true to himself and his word. He was fair to everyone. His empathy and compassion proved beneficial to peacemaking. His fellowship built goodwill, harmony and better friendships amongst Filipinos and the global village.

FVR was our leader, second father, brother, uncle and buddy; an uncommon man with uncommon valor, all rolled into one. He was larger than life, a living legend. But he was also down-to-earth, and most at ease bantering with whoever, with his vintage acts of endearment.

Thank you Sir for your trust. I was privileged to walk in your shadow and experience many precious moments of struggle, triumph and laughter in the air, on land and at sea; from all over the country to foreign shores. Thank you too for your full support for the book “Silver Linings” and the “Tagaligtas” documentary, which captured your decades of outstanding service and the vast influence you had on society and the community of nations. We had each other’s back through all that. We lost a faithful son of the Republic, a peacemaker who earned his ticket Home. He left behind a legacy that beckons every Filipino to toil each day for a better tomorrow. Who he really was, and what he accomplished, will long be extolled by scholars, in public records, and honored forever at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

In closing, let’s have audience participation to express our unity, solidarity and teamwork for FVR. Please rise. May I ask Rotarians who worked for FVR to join me here. Let’s do this for him as our final salute. First, turn to the person beside you and shake hands (never mind the beso-beso). Second, let’s give FVR a rousing standing ovation. Third, with our stentorian voices in unison let’s give a vigorous and heartfelt response to “Kaya ba natin ito”? Fourth, may I have the photographers take a group picture with our two thumbs up directed at FVR’s urn. Fifth, three cheers for FVR! Thank you!