ECOP leader Donald Dee passes away at 72
Philippine industry stalwart Donald Gochioco Dee passed away Saturday night (Dec. 1). He was 72.
As a leader, Dee championed the domestic industries, balancing the interests of employers and labor groups.
“Donald is a strong advocate for Philippine industries and served us for decades,” said his good friend Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation of the Philippines.
Dee started in the garments manufacturing sector where he nurtured the industry’s growth when he served as chairman of the Confederation of Garment Exporters of the Philippines.
His industry advocacies became even more prominent when he joined and served as president of the country’s largest business organization Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) and Philippine Exporters Confederation (PhilExport) among others.
Dee served these associations up the very end. “He was still working even when he was already sick,” said Ortiz-Luiz.
He served once again as ECOP president until his death.
In its FaceBook page, ECOP said: “The business community lost a passionate champion and leader, a stalwart in the industry, and a staunch advocate of and for employers.”
Ambassador Donald Dee is a pillar of Philippine Business.
He brought PCCI to greater heights. He was the voice of business. His advocacy focused on the plight of Filipino businessmen thus enhancing the role of the SME’s and industry, in partnership with the government.
“He is a big loss to PCCI and our country. We will surely miss him,” said Alegria “Bing” Limjoco, PCCI president.
PCCI Chairman Emeritus Francis Chua said: “If PCCI is the voice of business, Donald is the voice that fought for the rights and interests of entrepreneurs.”
“He was vocal and fearless. He will live forever in the memory and heart of those whom he has helped unselfishly,” he said.
“The Philippine industry lost a leader who truly cares for the country’s national development,” said Ed Lacson, a friend and colleague at ECOP and PCCI.
Dee is survived by his wife Ophelia M. Dee; his children Irene Kathleen and her husband Gregory Der, John Christopher and Patrick Alan; his stepchildren Apples Aberin, Carlos Aberin and his wife Michelle Pe, Orange Aberin and her husband Nara Sulisto, Peaches Aberin and her husband Justin Ong; grandchildren Gregory Martin, Isabella, Gianina, Ellie, Danika, Samantha, Carlos, Solenn, Satrya, Jamie and Georgina; siblings Daisy and Leo, Dolly, Dewey and Lily, Dionne, Danis, Dulce and Mike. He was predeceased by his brother Dudley, and brothers-in-law Johnny and Emmanuel.
His wake will be at the Capilla del Senor of Santuario de San Antonio, Makati City from Sunday, Dec. 2 with daily celebration of the mass at 7 p.m. Interment will be on Sunday morning, Dec. 5.