The Centro Escolar University held a Necrological Service for Don Emilio T. Yap on April 10, 2014 at the Prince Hotel in Manila. It was attended by so many people, and in this regard, it was not different from the many celebrations sponsored by Don Emilio held at Manila Hotel and other Yap office buildings that I attended in the past two decades.
Don Emilio was born in China 89 years ago and spent his early boyhood days in Tanjay, Negros Oriental. He loved the Philippines and served the Filipino people well. He worked hard, and was able to accumulate a substantial wealth, a part of which he shared with others.
The two officiating priests gave very impressive accounts of the life, services, and contributions of Don Emilio to Philippine academic institutions, civic and religious organizations, and the Philippine society in general. He contributed generously to funds for victims of natural calamities. They also stressed his simple life, generous nature, love of peace, love for others, honesty, and personal integrity. These are all virtues and characteristics of good Filipinos.
Don Emilio applied the criteria of integrity and honesty in his choice of associates in his own companies by inviting only persons who are known for their honesty and integrity.
He also practiced honesty in dealing with government regulatory agencies responsible for the management of his companies, including the Centro Escolar University.
During my term as Chair of the Commission on Higher Education in 1995-1999, Don Emilio was a big help to me and the members of the Commission.
I remember him hosting a dinner for us and discussing ways of assistance to the Commission.
On my retirement from government, he invited me to be part of the management of his newspaper publications, but I had to refuse because of my commitment to return to Silliman University.
However, in 2007, Don Emilio as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Centro Escolar University, and its President, Dr. Ma. Cristina Padolina, invited me to become a member of the CEU Board, which included Dr. Emil Q. Javier, a respected former president of the University of the Philippines.
Don Emilio was a great friend and supporter of academic institutions. He contributed substantial amounts of funds to Philippine universities, including two universities in Dumaguete City, Silliman and Foundation, for the improvement of higher education.
For his generosity, he received many citations and conferred degrees from universities.
The country needs more people like Don Emilio T. Yap.
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Author’s email: [email protected]
