Davao mourns Edsa I icon

DAVAO CITY – Davaoeños continue to grieve over the death of prominent businessman and anti-Marcos figure Jesus “Chito” Ayala. He was 82.

Ayala, considered an icon of the People Power revolution, passed away Tuesday night following a lingering renal problem that caused other health complications. His remains were cremated Wednesday.

The businessman was hospitalized Sunday due to debilitating health condition.

Journalist Rene Lumawag, a friend of Ayala’s, said his demise was not only the loss of his family and friends but also of “those who sought for changes in the government.”

“The country has lost one good man who had a vision of what the Philippines must be. Another good man died, a real good man who is a friend to many…a friend of the world,” said Lumawag.

Mayor Sara Duterte also said her family and the city in general “grieves over his death.”

Ayala was among the late President Corazon Aquino’s close consultants.

“He was one of those who led the forces in Davao – those who defied the forces of Marcos, at great peril to his personal safety and his family,” said veteran journalist Antonio Ajero.

A few days before the Edsa revolt, Ayala was preparing the city to become a staging point for civil disobedience, according to Ajero.

He said Ayala funded anti-Marcos activities.

When Mrs. Aquino took over the government, she designated Ayala to represent the private sector in the Regional Development Task Force, the forerunner of the Regional Development Councils.

“Much of the infrastructure and development projects that happened during Aquino and after were planned during his time,” Ajero said.

Ayala, who was a lawyer like his father, was chairman of the JVA Group of Companies, which operates Eden Nature Park and Resort and the popular entertainment and commercial center Matina Town Square (MTS) here.

He also owned TriStar Group of Banana Companies – which produces cavendish bananas using the low-chemical practice.

Before engaging into the banana plantation business, Ayala, uncle of Dabawenyo musicians Joey Ayala and Cynthia Alexander, was also vice president of the Commercial Trust Banking Corporation.

He was married to Fe Misa, whom he had four children.

Jeffrey M. Tupas, Inquirer Mindanao