Honoring Hector Logrono and his legacy

I am still in shock.

The sudden passing of our dear friend Hector Logrono, founder of PAGASA Social Foundation Inc., earlier this week took a hit in the hearts of Filipino American community members in the NY Metropolitan area.

I am fortunate to have witnessed Hector’s beautiful spirit and compassion for our community’s seniors. Thanks to our collaborations with NaFFAA Region 1 and FALDEF, Hector’s and UniPro’s paths crossed. I remember first meeting him at an event with NYC Comptroller John Liu where Filipino community organizers and members had an opportunity to highlight the organizations we represent. Hector was one of the first people to approach me and readily handed his business card along with the biggest smile and the most enthusiastic explanation of his mission.

Since Hector founded PAGASA, he immediately became the face of FilAm seniors. I was quickly enamored by his passion to help this forgotten population. UniPro Summit’s co-chairs, Iris Zalun and Gecile Fojas, took this opportunity to ensure his presence at our 3rd Annual UniPro Summit in June and invited him to be one of our guest speakers on our “Social Good” panel. We recognized the importance of acknowledging the need to be involved with our seniors’ well-being, and he was the key person to relay this message to our audience of young professionals and students.

He passionately said, “The time is now,” challenging us to “rise” and respond to those needs. His rich background in community outreach shows how committed he was to ensuring that Filipinos were being educated and taken care of. Even during his last days he was working tirelessly for more exposure of FilAm seniors at the John Liu rally, which ironically came full circle to how we first met.

There is no doubt that his sudden passing is a sign that we cannot take life for granted. We need to take care of our seniors, and it is everyone’s responsibility to be involved in some form or another, whether it is attending a socio-cultural event by PAGASA or volunteering time at one of their health fairs

After hearing a eulogy by Eric Lachica, Hector’s friend and an advocate for comprehensive Medicare coverage, it reminded me that we still have a lot of work to do. The first step is to educate by sharing stories and pushing forward in times of challenge. We need to support each other and create an open-minded approach to solving today’s problems.

Tita Sheila, please know I will do my best to honor Hector’s memory by supporting you and all FilAm seniors.

I would like to send this message to Hector: You have left an unforgettable impression in my heart and it has been a true honor to have been able to experience your leadership and enthusiasm. I truly hope that we can live up to your legacy. — The FilAm

Rachelle Ocampo is president of the Pilipino American Unity for Progress, Inc. – or UniPro – an organization of students and young professionals seeking to facilitate and encourage cooperation among other organizations.