But if I am to use the figure of speech that was employed by Tatang Ram Mercado in his column last Monday, then let me personally be in "grief" too with the untimely "demise" of Levy Laus as he soon leaves his position as president and CEO of Clark Development Corporation (CDC).
Let me also "eulogize" or sort of. Not because Mr. Laus owns this newspaper, but because of what I personally witnessed in Clark, in him being the chief architect of Clark's emergence as a vital cog in President Arroyo's vision for an international competitive service and logistics hub.
*****
I first heard of Mr. Laus's appointment as CDC's top honcho in September 2006 while I was on leave from the state firm and pursuing my career as a journalist in New York.
My reaction? I had two.
First, there was this feeling of hope for the infusion of a new sense of prestige, dignity, professionalism and excellence in the corporate culture in CDC.
Knowing Mr. Laus' business and managerial acumen, I was hopeful -- even before knowing and seeing in person his management style -- that new breed of corporate executives, a rejuvenated CDC, and a thriving Clark shall rise. And they did.
I need not write a detailed account here as facts and figures in various departments in CDC can attest to that. But let me just cite the following: a more responsive CDC, with its organizational structure being right-sized; the emergence of Clark as a Freeport, the location of Texas Instrument with its US$1-billion investments, the sharp rise in the total number of Clark workers from 45,727 when he became CDC president in October 2006 to 54,000 now, among others.
Capping all these achievements is the imminent location too of a South Korean conglomerate to Clark. The corporate giant will open a $1-billion electronic chips factory, if and when CDC finally forges an agreement. The negotiations have been going on for about a year now. When the deal is finally signed, that would be a graceful exit for Mr. Laus. If it would be deferred, it should still be credited under his watch.
Second, the appointment of a fellow Capampangan was also a source of pride. And he was not just any other Cabalen. He is a highly respectable business leader who is nationally known not only for growing an empire but also for his civic-spirited deeds.
I need not mention here too of his heroics when he led movements that saved for saving San Fernando from becoming a natural lahar catch basin staring in the mid 1990s.
Mr. Laus had always sought to push for the interest of Clark. He might not have pleased everyone, especially the politicians during his stint. But he sure made a very significant positive impact not only on the economy of Clark but of the nation's.
Mr. Laus will be missed in CDC, in Clark. Sorely.
*****
I have always admired the writings of Tatang Ram Mercado. In fact, I have always been amused, informed and entertained by his articles. I remember trying to learn his styles (writing and his charms too) during the early 1990s when I first wrote my column article. And oh, what an honor and privilege that I now have my idol as a neighbor in this paper.
In his column titled "Fernandinos' grief over Laus", he made mention of an allegation hurled by some people that Congressman Carmelo Lazatin and Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan "midwifed Laus's aborted tenure or sudden departure."
I would like to take exception for the latter.
On matter-of-fact conversations between and among media cum politicos' circles, Edpam was one of those who moved for the appointment of Mr. Laus in CDC.
I remember hearing stories of how President Arroyo was returning the favor to people who helped her win the 2004 presidential elections.
And one of those accounts was a helicopter ride that had PGMA, Edpam and other members of Cabinet then in it. When asked by PGMA what could serve as a "gift" to the former Angeles City mayor, Edpam replied by asking for the appointment of Mr. Laus and Alexander Cauguiran to key positions in Clark. Now, I am not saying here that Mr. Laus needed Edpam's backing (just to be appointed) as the former is a close friend and kumpadre of PGMA. Certainly not.
To cut the long story short, Mr. Laus indeed made it to CDC and Cauguiran eventually to CIAC as its executive vice president. As for Edpam? He never got what was said to have been allotted to him such as chairmanship of HUDDC or DENR Secretary then.
I remember writing a column article that urged Malacanang to appoint him then to a line department. He ended up as Scadc chairman beginning February 2006.
So how could Edpam be going against what he willed, what he sought in as early as 2004? I don't think that he would go against his own self.
More so, I do not think that Edpam would be so greedy of government positions. Contrary to ugly rumors that he wanted to be appointed as CDC president, Edpam already has his hands full.
Aside from serving as Scad chairman, he is concurrently the head of External Affairs Office and the Presidential Action Center (two vital offices in Malacañang Palace), the Luzon Urban Beltway, and more recently, as chairman of the Northrail Corporation.
Whew! So many hats to wear that I don't think his bemoustached head will be able to accommodate one more. Certainly not wanting CDC's headship, Edpam already occupies a Cabinet rank and I don't think he deserves any other recognition that is lower than that, save of course if it is PGMA's wanting like the aforementioned.
