Palace condoles with family of late Washington SyCip

Washington SyCip (File photo from INQUIRER.net)

Malacañang extended on Sunday its sympathies to the family and friends of Washington SyCip, whom it described as a “staunch believer in Filipino talent.”

SyCip passed away on the night of Saturday at the age of 96.

“He was a respected voice in corporate governance and staunch believer in Filipino talent,” presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement. “The stories Mr. SyCip once said that his secret for longevity was having too much work.”

“His presence was as vivid as the brilliant Barongs he wore. He gave us all a sense of what Filipinos could be. He is already missed,” he added.

Abella said SyCip, who was celebrated both in business and in philanthropy, founded SyCip Gorres Velayo & Company (SGV & Co) in 1946, now the country’s leading professional services firm.

SyCip was also one of the visionaries behind the Asian Institute of Management (AIM).

READ: Washington SyCip: We must focus on education

Sens. Grace Poe and Richard Gordon also sent to media their tributes to SyCip, whom they said, was once their mentor.

READ: Poe hails SyCip as the ‘Sage of our Age’