Dagupeños honor Tan

DAGUPAN CITY – Dagupeños honored business tycoon Lucio Tan by officially declaring him an “adopted son” and conferring upon him a Doctorate in Humanities in Business, honoris causa.

Tan, who leads more than 30 companies comprising the Lucio C. Tan Group of Companies, was here last Wednesday to receive the honors during the commencement exercises of the Lyceum Northwestern University (LNU) held at the CSI Stadia.

Tan was accompanied by his wife, Carmen, and 80 other Chinese businessmen.

Dr. Gonzalo Duque said the LNU, which he heads, was honored to confer upon Tan his 10th honorary degree.

Tan earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree at the Far Eastern University in Manila.

“The LNU is honored and privileged to be the only university in Region 1 to confer a doctorate degree upon our honoree,” Duque said.

Dr. Salvador Duque, president emeritus of LNU, read the resolution approved by the university’s board of trustees citing Tan as “a living embodiment of the core values of hard work, perseverance, humility, simplicity, frugality, benevolence and kindness which every Lycean endeavors to follow and imbibe.”

The resolution also cited Tan for having “consistently exemplified the proverbial mustard seed of the Bible who with his commitment, dedication and his great faith has emerged as an influential player in business and entrepreneurship and in philanthropy that serves as an inspiration to our young graduates aspiring for success.”

For her part, Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez read a resolution approved by the city council last March 31 adopting Tan as honorary son of Dagupan City.

Fernandez, assisted by Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr., presented the plaque for Tan’s adoption during the LNU graduation rites.

The provincial government has also passed a separate resolution declaring Tan an adopted son of Pangasinan.

However, the provincial board members want to present it to Tan in another fitting occasion.

In his speech, Tan said he was humbled by the honorary doctorate degree, as he did in the past when he received similar honors.

Tan recalled how entrepreneurship was instilled in him at a tender age and stressed that entrepreneurship must be customer-oriented.

“It is not just about making money. I believe business and entrepreneurship must be other-centered embedded in one’s life mission,” he said.