Malacañang, nakikiramay sa pamilya Gokongwei kasunod nang pagpanaw ng kanilang matriarch
Nagpaabot ng pakikiramay ang Malacañang sa pamilya Gokongwei matapos na pumanaw ang kanilang matriarch na si Elizabeth, ang asawa ng namayapang business tycoon na si John Gokongwei Jr.
“The Palace is saddened by the passing of Mrs. Elizabeth Gokongwei yesterday, November 16, just one week after the death of her husband, John,” saad ni presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo sa isang statement.
Pumanaw si Mrs. Gokongwei kahapon sa edad na 85, eksaktong isang linggo makaraang sumakabilang buhay ang kanyang asawa.
“We express our deep condolences to — and relay our commiseration with — the family, particularly her children, Robina, Lance, Lisa, Faith, Hope and Marcia, friends, colleagues, employees, and loved ones, Mrs. Elizabeth left behind. May the perpetual light shine upon her, and may her soul, through the mercy of God, rest in eternal peace,” ani Panelo.
Sinabi ni Panelo na tiyak marami ang makaka-miss sa pagiging “entle, loving, kind, caring and selfless human being” ni Mrs. Gokongwei.
Ang mga katangian na ito ang siyang nakatulong din aniya kay John Gokongwei para makamit nito ang kanyang mga pangarap.
“We remember a life advice of Mr. John: Marry a good person for a spouse as she would be an ally in happiness and not a source of misery. Elizabeth, his wife of 61 years, certainly fitted the bill. The Gokongwei matriarch was the other half who helped in realizing the vision and dream of one of the greatest business leaders of our time. She fully supported the conviction of the businessman who dared. She was the founding member of the Robinsons Department Store and headed its Merchandising Department from 1980 to 1992,” ani Panelo.
“Mrs. Elizabeth, like Mr. John, was known for her philanthropy, being a member of the Board of Trustees of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation. She was, in the words of only son, Lance, ‘the heart and soul of the Gokongwei family,” dagdag pa nito.
