Former DTI head Navarro dies at 72

Manila, Philippines - Former Trade Secretary Rizalino S. Navarro passed away at noon yesterday, on his way to a meeting with one of the corporations under the Yuchengco Group of Companies. He was 72.

Navarro served as Trade and Industry Secretary from 1992 to 1996.

Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said Navarro was an asset to both the government and the private sector. Navarro also served as president of the Makati Business Club (MBC).

Domingo, who described Navarro as a happy man, said he will be greatly missed and his contributions to society will never be forgotten.

“He is a big loss to the country having served well at the highest levels in the government and the private sector,” Domingo said in a text message to The STAR.

“I respect his opinion a lot and consult with him on issues occasionally. I feel sad to see a jolly fellow like Roy move on to the next life,” he added.

After leaving government service, Navarro joined the Yuchengco Group of Companies as chairman of EEI Corp., Bankard, Inc., Petroenergy Inc., Clark Development Corp., Seafront Resources Corp. and Upline Foods Corp.

He also served as director of Rizal Commecial Banking Corp., Malayan Insurance Co. Inc., House of Investments Inc., Great Life Financial Assurance

Corp., Mapua Institute of Technology, Phinma Industries Inc., Ionics Inc., Investment Capital Corp. of the Philippines, Nationwide Development Corp., and the National Reinsurance Corp. of the Philippines.

He is survived by his wife Salud, daughters Grace, Rosanna, Gwendelina, sons in-law Cesar, John and Eumir, and his grandchildren.

His remains lie in state at the Capilla de San Francisco, Sanctuario de San Antonio, Forbes Park in Makati. – With Aisa Osorio