Tributes pour in for SGV’s Sycip, 96
Malacañang paid tribute yesterday to Washington Sycip, one of the country’s most accomplished business leaders, who passed away last Saturday while traveling from Manila to Vancouver.
Business leaders also expressed their condolences and said that Sycip’s legacy as “a leader, advisor and guiding force behind many Filipino businesses and philanthropic organizations” will be remembered. Sycip turned 96 last June 30. Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said that Sycip “was as vivid as the brilliant barongs he wore. He gave us all a sense of what Filipinos could be.”
Sycip founded SyCip, Gorres, Velayo & Co. in 1946 and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM), in 1968. In 1992, he received the Ramon Magsaysay Award, Asia’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize, for “fostering economic growth and mutual understanding in Asia through professionalism, public-spirited enterprise, and his own esteemed example.”
In a statement, AIM said that Sycip’s legacy will “live on in the AIM alumni who strive to be ethical and responsible business leaders, and live up to Mr. SyCip’s call to lead, inspire, and transform.”
AIM pointed out that the Washington SyCip Graduate School of Business at AIM, which will celebrate its 50th year in 2018, developed as a result of Sycip’s passion for excellence, commitment to mold business leaders, and generosity.
At the time of his death, Sycip was also a member of the board of directors of Philippine Airlines and its sister-firms in the Lucio Tan Group of Companies.
“For those of us who had the privilege of working with him and under his guidance, Mr. SyCip was a legendary mentor who inspired us to strive for the highest measure of excellence and integrity in the conduct of our business, and in serving the Filipino public. We feel his loss keenly, and will greatly miss his wise counsel and commanding presence,” PAL said in a statement.
SGV posted a photo of a single candle on its website, along with the family’s request for privacy and prayers.