Hector C. Navasero; 78

Hector Cruz Navasero

MANILA, Philippines—Hector Cruz Navasero, founder and pioneer of Philab, Servicing Science, Agriculture, Medicine and Sports; president of the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association for over 25 years, and a noted member of the Jaycee Senate Philippines, passed away on Oct. 1. He was 78.

A press statement issued by the family said Navasero died from sepsis at 1:25 p.m. at the intensive care unit of the Makati Medical Center.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Rodriguez Arnaldo, children Hector Paul and Jane, and Hector Thomas and Jenny; grandchildren Trisha, Rain, Alexa, Ava, Allen and Ariana; sister Mandy; and brothers Nestor, Ador, and Ding.

His remains now lie in state at the Ellinwood Church in Malate up to Oct.4, Friday, then will be brought to Los Baños, Laguna, on Saturday (Oct. 5) morning. Interment will be on Sunday (Oct. 6) at the Los Baños Cemetery after the 10 a.m. service at the Church among the Palms inside UPLB campus.

Navasero is best remembered as a big brother to all members of JCI Senate Philippines. He is also referred to as the “Father of Philippine Baseball.”

His life was well lived in the service of others.  He was well respected and admired for his devotion in encouraging the Filipino youth to play baseball. He has always believed in the mantra “In building the youth, you build the nation!”