Quisumbing patriarch dies at 90

CEBU, Philippines — Icon of entrepreneurship. Compassionate. Visionary. Pacesetter of education and scholarship.

These are just among the best traits that described Dr. Norberto Quisumbing, Jr., the founder of Norkis of Group of Companies, who passed away Friday at the age of 90.

“We lost a father, friend and mentor. He was a compassionate man. He was a visionary. There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they are gone, the light remains,” said his daughter Lita, one of Cebu’s most respected wellness and fitness coaches.

Lita’s son, Jon Erik, also pays tribute to his grandfather saying, “Your light has touched so many. It was through your love of family where you shined the brightest. How lucky we are to have had you in our lives and how proud we all are to carry on your legacy. It will never be enough to thank you for all that you have done for our Q and Norkis family. Rest well in the Kingdom of God and in the arms of Lola. Enjoy that big horse race track in the sky!”

Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes considered Quisumbing as one of the city’s treasured sons.

“His contribution to Mandaue’s business and commerce was invaluable and even now, his legacy continues to echo throughout Mandaue,” the mayor said.

Cortes said that he is honored and blessed to have known the Norkis patriarch, noting that everyone who knows Quisumbing will surely miss him.

“We will never forget his kindness. May God give him eternal rest, and the family the strength to bear the great pain,” said the mayor.

Mass Communication professor, Dr. Milagros Espina, in her Facebook post said Quisumbing is an icon and pacesetter of education, scholarship and value formation of the youth, specifically the Punla Foundation which extended scholarships to high school students of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, University of the Philippines Cebu Campus and the University of Southern Philippines.

USJ-R has conferred Quisumbing the Honoris Causa, Doctor of Humanities few years ago.

Espina said that Quisumbing conducted research studies on education, entrepreneurship and politics with Speechcom International, had long term development and leadership seminars for the Norkis staff and management with her and staff.

“He was a generous and loyal friend and mentor. Cebu honors this Icon of Entrepreneurship, education and socio - civic development through the CCCI, Filipino Inc. Punla Foundation,” Espina stated in her post.

Edward Ligas, a professional boxing judge and former consultant of Quisumbing whom he considered as his mentor, also thanked the latter for sharing his intelligence, sharpness, and smartness.

“Working with you as a consultant for more than a decade was a great opportunity. I miss our lunch or dinner, with business and politics discussions, in Radisson, Marco Polo, Marriott hotels, Nonkie, and UCC Coffee,” Ligas wrote in his Facebook page.

Ligas also described Quisumbing as a man of principle, a loving husband and consistent with his entrepreneural advocacy.

“Despite of his age, he was very sharp,” Ligas said.

Ligas said that Quisumbing built the business empire now known as Norkis Group of Companies and Q-Park for religious pilgrims.

The 200-hectare Q-Park located in the town of Compostela, Cebu displays life-sized portraits of the country’s presidents and statesmen. The Q-Park complex also houses the Stations of the Cross, a Heroes’ Hill, among others.

Ligas said that Quisumbing, who died in a Manila hospital, was diabetic and did not die of COVID-19 but his remains will be cremated.

Ligas said that Quisumbing’s ashes will be brought to Q-Park and will be buried right next to the site where his wife, Britta, was also buried six years ago. The Quisumbing couple bore six children.

His body now lies at the The Chapels (Garden Wing Chapel 1) at Heritage Park in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

A Mass will be held at 3 p.m. today before his cremation. — GMR (FREEMAN)