Ex-NEDA chief Paderanga, 67

MANILA, Philippines – Former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director general and socioeconomic planning secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr. passed away on Friday. He was 67.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda paid tribute to Paderanga in a statement yesterday, saying he helped reinvigorate NEDA as an institution.

Paderanga also headed the agency during the term of President Cory, Aquino’s mother.

“We mourn the passing (of Paderanga), an economist and public servant,” Lacierda said.

Under Paderanga’s watch, Lacierda said the Public-Private Partnership Center was established, which played a significant role in the revitalization of the economy.

“His institutional memory and personal integrity made him an effective undersecretary of agriculture and chief negotiator of the country for the World Trade Organization; and earned him the respect of his peers in academe,” Lacierda said.

“His good cheer, humble disposition and intellectual rigor earned him the respect of so many, whether at home or abroad. We condole with his family, and join all who pause to reflect on his service to the nation during a life well lived,” he added.

A Facebook post of Butch Garcia, cousin of Paderanga’s wife, said Paderanga died at 11:55 p.m. on Friday. Other posts said Paderanga suffered from an ailment and was in a hospital when he passed away.

“Most people knew him in an official capacity, he served two presidents in a Cabinet position, was a member of the Monetary Board of the central bank. However, at every opportunity, he went back to teach economics at the University of the Philippines. He was a teacher at heart, beloved by his students,” Garcia wrote.

“I knew him as my cousin’s husband – a kind, generous, humble and gentle man with a dry sense of humor,” he added.