Cebu City Council pays tribute to Aboitiz
The Cebu City Council expressed sorrow over the death of Cebu’s business icon Roberto Eduardo “Bobby” Aboitiz, whom it said would be remembered for his exemplary public service.
The council also expressed sympathy to the bereaved Aboitiz family.
Aboitiz passed away Thursday at the age of 67. He was laid to rest Monday.
Councilor Joel Garganera, in a privilege speech yesterday, said Aboitiz left a great legacy of remarkable community service.
Garganera said Aboitiz was someone Cebuanos should look up to with his pure dedication in helping and building a better community.
"I can tell you that Sir Bob was a visionary. He was an exemplary business leader, a dear friend, and a family in the hearts of all the lives he had touched," he said.
Aboitiz was the chairman of the board and president of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Incorporated (RAFI) since 1986.
He was also the director of publicly-listed Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. and had served as co-chairman of the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board.
The late business leader was also the vice president and trustee of Tsuneishi Foundation (Cebu) Inc. and director of Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Inc (Cebu).
In 1989, Garganera, former Tinago village chief, recalled that RAFI helped in the establishment of the Tinago Barangay Hall.
Under his leadership as RAFI president, Garganera said Aboitiz spearheaded and supported the youth and social development programs like the Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) and Mega Cebu.
Aboitiz also extended assistance to the landslide victims in Barangay Guinsaugon in St. Bernard, Southern Leyte sometime in 2008, he said.
Ex-officio Councilor Philip Zafra, who heads the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) in Cebu City, also said Aboitiz was instrumental in the construction of Mabolo and Parian police stations and Mabolo Fire Station.
Garganera said Aboitiz also helped in bringing different sectors and the communities together with his “Bugsay” principle, which states that every person has the ability to power paddle oneself toward chosen destiny and to bring out positive development in the community.
Aboitiz had emphasized the crucial role of a sense of accountability on one’s own choices and determination in making it through life’s challenges.
Aboitiz also imparted the value of character, competence, and citizenship in leadership.
Odessa O. Leyson/KBQ
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