Benson Dakay dies of cancer

CEBU, Philippines - The “Carrageenan King” Benson U. Dakay passed away last Thursday at the age of 56, after succumbing to kidney cancer, otherwise known as Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma, at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Benson, who practically pioneered the commercialization of the seaweed carrageenan and turned it into one of the world’s most in-demand food additives and pet food raw material, started the Cebu-based Shemberg Marketing Corp. while he was still 11 years old.

He was considered as one of Cebu’s prides in the business community, as he brought Cebu into the world map in the refined and semi-refined carrageenan manufacturing.

Known for his brave leadership in the business sector in Cebu, Benson was also the founding president of the PhilExport-Cebu, and long time leader of the Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines.

Benson’s eldest daughter Marie Cecille “Rere” Dakay yesterday said her father’s remains will arrive in Cebu within the next 10 to 12 days.

Benson, was diagnosed with Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma in Feb. 2010, and had his first operation on Feb. 14 that same year, at the St. Luke Hospital in Manila. Later that year, the family decided to bring him to the United States for further medication.

Despite battling cancer, Benson managed to visit Cebu on September 2011, supposedly to stay for a two-month vacation, but the visit was shortened to two weeks as he was advised to return to the United States for further medication.

“He was a good man, very supportive,” said his eldest son Pierre Collin Dakay, who will automatically take over as Shemberg’s chief executive officer.

According to Marie Cecille, her siblings will be involved with the company their father established. Her younger sister Mary Anne Rose will take care of the technical aspect of the company, while Benson Ernest Jr. will manage the marketing department.

Department of Transportation and Communication Secretary Mar Roxas, who is one of Benson’s closest friends in the government, said “he was a good man, we [the Philippines] are all proud of him.”

PhilExport-Cebu executive director Fred Escalona said the Cebu export sector just lost a true supporter of the industry.

“Mr. Dakay will be missed because he was one of those who started export [industry] in Cebu,” he said, “he was always there for us when we needed help—financial or equipment, furniture. He wouldn’t think twice. The man with the golden heart.”

Benson was the second son of Ernesto Dakay Sr. and wife Mary.

Benson was surrounded by his wife Rosemary, son Benson Ernest Jr. and youngest daughter Mary Anne Rose when he took his last breath. — /BRP (FREEMAN)