Palace condoles with family of John Gokongwei, Jr

Malacañang on Sunday expressed its deep condolences to family of industrialist John Gokongwei Jr.–founder and chairman emeritus of JG Summit Holdings, Inc. – who died at the age of 93 on Saturday evening.

"Mr. Gokongwei, considered as one of the leading Taipans, was a visionary and pillar of the Philippine economy. Our people recognize [his] amazing journey as a self-made industrialist, respected business leader, and generous philanthropist. A grateful nation respects the man for the indelible legacy he made in the fields of business, entrepreneurship and philanthropy," Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

News about Gokongwei Jr.'s death was confirmed by his son in text message on Sunday.

"While being born with a silver spoon in his mouth, the demise of his father when he was 15 removed the family from luxury and wealth. He had to work to provide for his family. He sold soaps, candles, and threads to earn money. From thence begun his journey of hard work, discipline, creativity, perseverance, accumulating vast business knowledge and acquiring entrepreneurial acumen in the process, until he built a giant of a business empire," the Palace statement said.

The Palace narrated how Mr. Gokongwei Jr. helped the countries economy.

"A cornstarch plant he built in 1957 became the seed that grew into various business enterprises that made one of the leading pillars of the business industry."

According to Panelo, Mr. Gokongwei has "left a legacy to the Filipino nation and the coming generation worth emulating. His favorite advice: 'Never stop learning.' He always said: 'I really loved my work. I loved being an entrepreneur.'"

Panelo also quoted Gokongwei's  speech before his alma mater University of San Carlos: "I always tell my children, grandchildren, colleagues: Love your work. Work hard for it. Love your family. Love your country. Never stop learning. And always look back and be grateful where you came from."

He also took notice of the late industrialist's daring ventures in "uncharted, unfamiliar territories in business" that have contributed the country's growth and development.

"Mr. Gokongwei was an exceptional and ideal Filipino. He exemplifies the traits that should endow us: industrious, disciplined, indefatigable, creative, generous, always hungry for knowledge, grateful and never forgetting his origins, and most of all, a loving person to his family and his country," Panelo added. —LBG, GMA News