Remembering Boss Danding

Ambassador Eduardo (Danding) Cojuangco Jr. would’ve been 86 today. He passed away on June 16 last year, six days after turning 85. In his home province, Boss Danding will always be revered as a proud son who, quoting from an ordinance enacted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and signed by Gov. Susan Yap last May 14, “never ceased to share his countless blessings with the people of Tarlac…who relentlessly uplifted the lives of Tarlaqueños through his various economic contributions and innovative endeavors .” He was a former Tarlac governor and congressman.

The ordinance has set June 10 of every year as a “Special Day” in Tarlac, to be known as “Danding Cojuangco Day” to honor and commemorate his birth. “As a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of Ambassador Eduardo M. Cojuangco Jr., the Provincial Government of Tarlac, the City Government of Tarlac and all municipal governments, state universities and colleges, public elementary and secondary schools in the province, shall commemorate this day with appropriate relevant and worthwhile programs and activities that will inspire Tarlaqueños, especially the youth, to emulate the good deeds and achievements of Ambassador Cojuangco,” noted the ordinance which was authored by Vice Gov. Carlito David with all the provincial board members as co-authors.

“The province of Tarlac is truly grateful for having been blessed with a great and compassionate philanthropist,” said the ordinance. “The successes and achievements of Ambassador Cojuangco mirror the larger than life figure of a leader with a remarkable wisdom, integrity, passion and generosity who has selflessly dedicated his life for our country’s socio-economic development.”

Boss Danding also made his mark in sports and last March, the Philippine Sportswriters Association honored him with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously. He brought honor to the flag by managing the Philippine basketball teams that won the 1982 Asian Youth title, the Jones Cup championships in 1981 and 1985, the Southeast Asian Games gold medal in 1981 and 1983, the FIBA Asia Clubs trophy in 1984 and the FIBA Asia Cup crown in 1985-86.  Boss Danding was the founding chairman of the Philippine Racing Commission and as a breeder, his thoroughbred Manila topped the 1 1/2 mile Breeders Cup Turf at Santa Anita, California, in 1986.  His spirit of sportsmanship was exemplified by his donation of the UAAP men’s basketball trophy for three straight years to Ateneo, rival of his alma mater La Salle. He awarded the Blue Eagles a P2.7 million, 14-karat gold, 15-inch high trophy for each of their three titles and a P5.8 million, 14-karat gold, 17-inch high perpetual trophy for achieving a three-peat in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

In business, Boss Danding carved an enviable reputation with his magic touch and nationalist principles. As San Miguel Corp. chairman, Boss Danding headed the country’s largest and most diversified conglomerate with interests in food, beverage, packaging, feeds, property, power generation, logistics, cement, real estate and infrastructure. But beyond San Miguel’s profitability, the company is well-known for its heart and social responsibility. His values were carried over to San Miguel Corp. president/CEO Ramon S. Ang who has led the enterprise to unprecedented heights. Boss Danding will forever be an inspiration to the Filipino nation.