Playing with Fire
Dr. Lucio Tan Day in Dagupan
By Gonzalo Duque
LT (not Lorna Tolentino but the business tycoon Dr. Lucio Tan) took Pangasinan, especially Dagupan City by storm, so to speak, last Wednesday.
He came to receive a doctorate honoris causa in business management and entrepreneurship from our school, Lyceum Northwestern University, which was long overdue, a first he received in North Luzon, which delighted no end his lovely and self-effacing wife Carmen and 80 members of his staff and personal friends from Manila, that made LNU’s graduation rites a China Day of sorts.
The scene at the Stadia of Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez was a portrait of a fiesta, which almost rivaled Mayor Al Fernandez’s Bangus Festival. But no, the twin events simply reinforced each other. And Mayor Al, who was with us in his usual charismatic way, lent color to the occasion.
For LNU’s part, we were singularly happy that brods Dr. Ado and Cesar came and were pleased by the presence of Dr. LT.
Sayang, the provincial officials led by Guv’nor Amado Espino Jr. failed to make it. We were informed though by Board Member Danny Uy that a separate event would be held for the province to honor the tycoon.
It’s a great day for the city under Mayor Al, as many have been wishing to give the amiable tycoon the honors he richly, if not in fact, belatedly deserves. The Chinese in Dagupan and other parts of Pangasinan came in full force. The Stadia was full of smiling people as if they all came from that vast country, the seat of civilization, China, whose economy has remained robust and model for all countries in the world today.
What charmed most of our guests was LT’s rags to riches story itself. He related in his speech his struggles, and sheer determination to beat poverty. So long as you don’t veer from the help of God Almighty and faith in honest labor, the help of loved ones led by Mrs. Carmen Tan, and focused leadership? Success will surely be at hand. His story undoubtedly inspired our graduates who never expected to meet in the flesh Dr. Lucio Tan.
Dr. Ado Duque was eloquent and brod Cesar, a tycoon in the making himself, thought the hosting for Dr. Lucio Tan should have been done a long time ago. Speculations about the mega tycoon putting some investments in Pangasinan have followed his visit. In light of Governor Spines’ focus on the Lingayen airport, advisers of Lucio Tan have started moving with that in kind. Of course, everybody knows that he is the chairman of Philippine Air Lines. Tobacco growers in the Ilocos also wanted to tap Dr. LT’s cigarette (Fortune) business. And many more which business leaders and economists would take up with him, given a newly opened access to him made by our LNU.
We wish to thank all those who in one way or another helped make Dr. Tan’s visit in Dagupan a success. We know that in LNU’s humble way, the visit that it initiated – yes, with the support of friends like Totoy Uy, George Cham, Vice Mayor Belen, and many others – a new leaf for economic advance in our beloved city and province is just around the corner. We know because even without being explicit about it, Dr. Lucio Tan never leaves a place he visits without giving it a Midas touch.
Mayor Al, better buy me a cup of coffee at Pedrito’s tomorrow.
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Those colorful buntings over our streets in Dagupan and some parts of Pangasinan signal the advent of gaiety of summer. Our children are excited by the trappings of fiesta atmosphere. Our prayer is that sana magtatagal ang kasayahan. But it’s only for the duration of the summer vacation. Even if it’s only for a brief period of time, we should cherish the chance for reunions and homecoming. We are always delighted by the presence of loved ones. Beat the summer heat with frolic on the beach.
(Readers may reach columnist at punch.sunday@gmail.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/playing-with-fire/ For reactions to this column, click “Send MESSAGES, OPINIONS, COMMENTS” on default page.)
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