CEBUANOS mourn the passing of former Ambassador Francisco “Frank” L. Benedicto, a public servant, diplomat, and philanthropist.
Benedicto, 86, died on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.
Benedicto served as Philippine Ambassador to several key nations including Singapore, Canada, Brazil, India, and the People’s Republic of China.
Cebu City North District Representative Rachel “Cutie” del Mar has filed a house resolution honoring Benedicto’s contributions to the country and to Cebu City.
“During his diplomatic service, Ambassador Benedicto significantly advanced Philippine bilateral relations, trade, and the welfare of overseas Filipinos, particularly during his long tenure in Canada and Singapore where he fostered closer ties and promoted Filipino culture and values,” reads a portion of del Mar’s resolution.
Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, on his Facebook page, bid his farewell to Benedicto, whom he called “igso,” expressing gratitude to the late ambassador and highlighting his quiet efforts to support Cebu.
“Not many Cebuanos know who Frank is, but he spent his life quietly supporting Cebu in ways only a man of his station and stature could,” Osmeña said.
Osmeña recalled how Benedicto, who was then the honorary consul to Belgium, helped him acquire P80 million grant which was used for the Pasil Fish Port and Market.
Lasting legacy
Benedicto College, in a statement released on Thursday, July 3, mourned the passing of its founder.
Benedicto College said by founding the school, Benedicto had provided students an easy access to quality education.
“His legacy is evident in every student who walks onto the campus and, more significantly, in every dream realized as a result of the opportunities he helped create,” a portion of the statement reads.
The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), in a Facebook post, recognized the contribution of Benedicto to the business community.
Benedicto served as CCCI’s president from 1970 to 1972.
The CCCI described Benedicto as “a pillar of Cebu’ business community, a statesman whose influence extended far beyond the boardroom.”
“His hearty demeanor, sharp intellect, and deep sense of service left an enduring legacy within the Chamber and in the lives of those he mentored and inspired,” said CCCI.
Aside from CCCI, Benedicto also served as president of the Cebu Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (1972–1986), Regional Governor for the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (1977–1983), and Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (1980–1986).
Benedicto was honored with several awards for his diplomatic service and contributions to Cebu, including the Outstanding Individual Award from Cebu City in 2010 and Outstanding Cebuano in foreign service in 2000. / Ruyz Angela Lois Manacap, CNU Intern